Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit

Transcription

1 Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit Systems as a means of achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Manila Gonzales, Faith Anna Guzman, Rose Mary Ann Ritual, Raven Siy, Goldwin SUSDEVT A51 INTRODUCTION

2 Public Transport or Mass Transport includes all available and accessible modes or means of transport services such as buses, coaches, domestic air and rail transport systems including taxis and other private-hired vehicles (White, 2009). These are commonly provided by the states (national governments) and/or by private corporation or companies for the people or the general public (Glover, 2011). In the modern day society, the need for public transportation systems enable the people to continue on with their everyday tasks (i.e. for work or to attend school). In the perspective of sustainable development, public transportation systems goes beyond the delivery of people from one place to another. Its impact on the economy has also been widely recognized by local and international states along with its contribution to human welfare and effects on the environment (World Bank, 2014). Benefits or Advantages of Rail Transit Systems Internationally Most of the countries have experienced several economic problems when the global financial crisis began. Transportation itself has been greatly affected by the crisis resulting to people losing their jobs, operating costs are too high posing several economic difficulties and companies began to compete for survival as global trade starts to decrease affecting possible sources of financial means or income of most companies (Yildirim, 2009). For this reason, the option to establish transport systems which have low operating costs and can generate job opportunities for the people was taken into consideration.

3 The economy of the country is often determined by the productivity of individuals contributing to the growth and development of the economy. In order for the economy to be sustainable, different factors are needed to achieve a sustainable development not only for the economy for the country as well. Rail Transit Systems (or transportation systems in general) plays an important role in the continuous cycle or processes within the economy. In our modern society, problems on road congestions and traffic are major issues faced by everyday motorists and its becoming worse each year because a lot of people are into buying private automobile transportations instead of using public transports. In recent studies, rail transit systems are seen as an effective solution to relieve congestion in cities, especially in areas where there are large population (Bombardier, 2014). One economic benefit of rail transit systems is reduction on average travel time. Less travel time for working individuals are considered as an advantage for them to have greater time for productivity because their time for travelling is reduced and therefore they have more time to work and produce either goods or services for the people. Time is considered as the most important factor to take note of because it measures the capability and efficiency of working individuals to provide or produce services and goods for the public (Vickerman, n.d) In the United States of America, transportation alone contributes to a large percentage on the country s total gross domestic product. In their case, transportation-related goods and services accounted for more than 10 percent of the countries GDP (as of year 2002) and it continues to grow as transportation systems continually improves and become more and more modernized (OST-R et. al, n.d).

4 Another economic benefit of having rail transit systems is generation of employment. Just like other forms of public transportation systems, rail transit systems need the use of human capital or labour for the system to function. Employment opportunities are given to the public when rail transit systems are established and usually the typical types of job given to the people are for management, maintenance, and operation of the system. Low costs or fares (rates) including operation costs are also considered as one of the economic benefits of rail transit systems (Cascajo, n.d). In the midst of several economic problems and how do rail systems contribute in providing solutions to these problems, the presence of social concerns or issues should also be taken into consideration when looking at sustainable development. One problem that needs to be resolved across different countries is the presence of Mobility Gaps or the difference on mobility within the population wherein the higher the income, the higher the mobility an individual receives and there are also concerns on Gender Gaps in mobility because women are given much lower incomes than men receives (Rodrigue, 2014). Rail Transit Systems have social impacts or changes in the society. One of the know social benefit of rail transit systems recognized by individuals working on sustainable development is the promotion of Social Equity. Our society is composed of individuals or groups that have different capacities or capabilities in terms of resources, not all people can afford to buy private automobile cars for their use that is why public transportation systems should be available for those who aren t capable of having their own modes of transportation. With lower costs or rates, rail transit systems provide an alternative for the people (average to vulnerable groups of people) to use in order to

5 travel from one place to another. It is not necessary for an individual to be wealthy or poor as long as he or she is able to pay the fixed rates or costs (which are practically affordable) set by the rail transit system (Cascajo, n.d). Rail transit systems also promote Urban Regeneration in which local redevelopment is integrated to the overall development of the city. It redevelops the cities current state wherein the presence of deprived areas are evident and provide an avenue for them to improve their access on physical, social and economic needs of the population although approaches or ways on how to achieve urban regeneration varies from one country to another (Eurocities, 2013). Aside from addressing issues on economic and social aspects, rail transit systems also contribute in providing solutions to lessen environmental problems that are currently present in this modern generation. One of the major problems we have today is the Global Climate Change. The gradual changes that have occurred in the global climate is caused by excessive emissions of carbon dioxides coming from combustion engines of our cars and other automobile goods. According to Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, In most urban regions, about 50% of all air pollution emanates from automobile traffic and because of this, a lot of cardiovascular diseases are evident in areas where air pollution is rampant. According to the UIC Rail Freight Reports, there have been massive changes to the present day environment situation in countries which have rail transit systems, especially those rail transit operators which already shifted in using magnetic levitation and electricity from using steam engines. One of the major environmental impact of rail transit systems is its contribution to climate change. Recent studies presented that

6 traveling by rail had reduced carbon emissions (3-5 times less carbon emissions) than air and road transports. This radical contribution to climate change (less pollution) provided a positive perspective for countries to start investing in rail transit systems as primary mode of public transportation (UIC, 2009). Light Rail Transit Systems I. Japan s Rail Transit System Japan s railway system started in the 1970s to 1980s, it adapted quickly to the demand of the population of Japan and eventually the railway system became privatized. It started its official operation in April of 1987 when the Japan Railway Company separated from the Japanese National Railway (JNR). Over 27,000km is covered by the railroad system of Japan, the three main metros that connected the big cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka were the most successful in terms of the privatization of the railway system. While the other provinces outside of these major cities were still under the hold of the government and some were open for investment to different players of the transportation market. This transit system serves as the most effectively used transportation scheme by most of the people in Japan, in the year of 2006 it was used over 22 billion times which makes it one of the busiest train systems in the world. All in all, Japan has 174 railway operations and its main goal is to provide the best and most reliable service for the people of Japan. It also aims to support the most secure way of transportation and also promote community development for the country. Because of the effectiveness of connection all the cities in Japan, it makes information

7 and business faster in the process that leads to the promotion of the economic state of the nation. Japanese government and the private sector handling the transportation system is continuously striving to improve the services of their country by making it more safe, more efficient, the most punctual with the least hassle for the population availing of the service. One example is through increasing the number of platforms and by enhancing the conventional lines, and by replacing the old stocks of the railroads. The railway system of Japan is said to help in their productivity. This makes everything faster for the citizens, especially those who work in far places, or for those who meet up with people for businesses, it definitely saves time for them. Japan s railway transit is oftenly used by the people rather than using cars and other modes of transportation; this is because their railway transit ensures them a faster and a better service when going from one place to another. Their railway transit is said to have an average time of 1 minute delay, and just that. It is meant to have an enormous effect on the country s sustainable development because not only that it ensures productivity for the people, but it also helps on building their economy since there is no doubt that people can make more things when the transportation system is faster. Since the 1960s, they made it sure that this railway transit would not only benefit their people but also their whole country. Also, the Japan Railway Company aims to do a lot for ensuring the safety and reducing the trends of accidents in their railway system, one way is through capital investment for the different extension projects that the company has, also by preparing for natural disasters and by doing their part for corporate social responsibility.

8 II. Korea s Rail Transit Systems In the pursuit of a low-cost, high-quality, efficient and modern transportation modes, several Korean cities have opted for automated guided light rail transit systems. The need for LRT in Korea increased during the 1980s because of the demand for cheaper and more efficient mass transit system. Most LRT systems are shorter and provide limited when it comes to coverage compared to subways but in the case of Korea, LRT systems are also linked to their subway systems which gives people access to other parts of the city. In order to keep up with the demand, the government of South Korea passed the Private Participation in Infrastructure Act ( PPI Act ) which aims to promote private investments in infrastructure facilities. The PPI Act highlights the role of the private sector in PPI projects and seeks to promote transparency. The private sector participant selected by the competent authority will be granted the concession right to develop, construct and operate the infrastructure facility for a predetermined number of years. (Shin, 2007) From this, we can see how the government of South Korea prioritizes mass transit transportation system. In Korea s capital city, Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit (LRT) (U-line) has been the main light rail system since July The system serves the city of Uijeongbu, which is situated 20 km north of South Korea's capital Seoul. The project was done through a private public partnership (PPP) between the government and GS Engineering & Construction. The LRT system is 11.2km-long elevated and covers 15 stations which links the eastern part of Uijeongbu with the commercial and business areas of the city which gave more opportunity for the people and for the economy as well. According to their website, The U-line reduced the travel time between Balgok and Tapseok to 19

9 minutes, compared to bus travel that takes 40 minutes. Aside from time and efficiency benefits of LRT in South Korea, the systems could also serve as a turning point for North and South Korea to emerge as a single economy. (Geon Oh. n.d.) The light rail system in Korea is considered as turning point in their mass public systems. Their systems ensures affordable, safe and efficient service in most cities of Korea. Aside from lessening traffic and congestion, People are more productive because they have more time to spare. The system also promotes a sustainable environment because it produces less waste compared to cars and the volume of passengers than can be accommodated by the trains are incomparable to those of cars. Overview of the Philippine Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Systems With the Philippines Reaching over 100 million citizens, we ask the question how will we be able to sustain all the citizens in the country and transportation is no different from that when it comes to the Philippine context, especially within big commercial cities around Metro Manila. A good alternative in order to help in lessening the congestion of vehicles is availing the service of the different public transport systems available, this way it will limit the number of private vehicles in the street, Though there are many different ways of transportation available in Metro Manila, one of the suppose fastest and most efficient way of traveling from city to city are the railroad systems consisting of 3 different train routes and lines. Train Systems in the Philippines are called the Light Rail Transport

10 System (LRT) or the Metro Rail Transport System (MRT), with the LRT having two separate route while the MRT only has one Starting off with a brief background on the different train systems of the Philippines: The LRTA was inaugurated by the country s president Ferdinand E. Marcos during June 12, 1980 as a government operated service, and b December 1, 1984 it was finally opened to the public thus it is considered to be the first LRT system in Southeast Asia. The Chairman then was the First Lady and Governor of Metro Manila, Imelda Romualdez Marcos. It is the first metro line of the Manila Light Rail Transit. The project was called Metrorail, and was then operated by Metro Inc. The project was assisted by different organizations which amounted to 1 billion peso in loans. The LRTA or Line 1 initially spans to about 15km of elevated railway from Caloocan City to Taft Avenue, now extended to around 20.7km in total adding 2 more stations, namely the Roosevelt and Balintawak Station. While the LRT Line 2 or also known as Megatren, was inaugurated April 5, And the government spent around 31 billion peso for this project. This is currently the newest and most advanced public train system in the Philippines. It covers a 13.6km track and that passes through 5 different cities along Metro Manila, the line is composed of 18, 4 car trains, wherein each train spans at 92.6 meters long. Each train can accommodate 232 passengers and accommodate 1393 standing passengers. One of the main features of the Megatrend is the Driverless capabilities. ` And Lastly the MRT or Line 3, Covering the stretch along EDSA which amounts to 16.9 kilometer. And is not extended to a total of 24km The budget for this project

11 amounted to 4.4billion peso, and awarded its operational and maintenance contract to Metro Rail Transit Corp (MTRC, n.d). The contracted corporations were from Japan namely: Sumitomo Corporation/ Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Inc. It was fully operational on July 20, It was designed to carry 46,000 passengers per hour at a given time, and has the maximum capacity to transport 96,000 passengers per hour(dotcmrt3, n.d). Role of Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Systems to Philippine Sustainable Development The Philippines is a densely populated country especially in the highly urbanized sector of the country, which is the main cause of congestion and traffic problems in the Metro. And the Philippine Light Rail Transportation Authority (LRTA) or the line 1, was created for the main purpose of alleviating congestion. It was created as a fully elevated track system in order to prevent it from being an obstacle from the already crowded area of the cities (Razon E, 1998). It would be a good way to be able to have a new method of public transport so that will be able to attain efficiency in terms of expense when it comes to fuel cost, which in return would help our economy conserve, based from Drennan and Brecher, mass transits in general would be able help in a country s economy due to its enhanced employers access to a larger labor pool at lower transport costs. Where employees would be able to obtain jobs even if it were far away from their place of residency, since

12 the train system travels a long distance with a short amount of time and on a budget friendly price for everyday commuters. The current problem with the MRT/ LRT is the issue of overcrowding. People are forced to wait in long lines especially during rush hours. Despite the said conditions, many people are still using MRT/LRT as their main mode of transportation. Another main concern for the public when riding, is the safety and reliability of these decade old trains, One major event that recently happened was the derailment of an MRT line 3 train from the track and into the streets, wherein there were reports of injuries, which led some commuters who had alternative ways of transportation to change, while others who only rely on the MRT train system are left with no choice but to hope for the best, the main cause of this is the lack of training of the employees when it comes to safety measures and operational procedures( Tapang, 2014) Rail Transport Plan in the Philippine Development Plan The government strongly supports the idea of having the private sector be the one to operate and maintain the railways system while them being the one to build and establish the railway infrastructure, they also mentioned the need to upgrade and install better railroad tracks as a long term investment. The establishment of long-distance, high-speed mass rail transit is being considered as well as an establishment for freightrail service, for a better access when it comes to different logistic needs of the country. In a ranking status with all other countries in terms of rail-road infrastructure, the Philippines has been in the rank in the past years namely , far from

13 its neighboring ASEAN countries rank, some of which are Malaysia who rank 17 and Cambodia who rank 81 all other ASEAN countries are between these ranks (NEDA, n.d). Philippine Future Plans for Rail Transit Systems As for the LRTA they are planning to extend on what is currently a 20.7km track into a total of 32.4km track extending from Baclaran Station until a future station in Bacoor, Cavite, and in the middle being able to touch the National Airport for better accessibility. The project would cost 56.13billion peso which would be equally funded by the National Government and the Private Sector, their projected date of completion is at August of the year The Private Sector would agree to spend for this because they would be getting a Concession Period of 30 years ( including the construction time of the Cavite Extension) (LRTA, 2014). While the LRT Line 2 plans to extend 4km east to reach Anipolo Rizal, and also a western extension if being considered towards the Divisioria Market Area. And lastly and known to be the biggest expansion, is the MRT3 which is currently constructing a 23km extension connecting from North Station adding 14 new stations up until San Jose del Monte, Bulacan (Schwandl, 2007). Comparative Analysis: Differences in Philippine Public Transportation and Light Rail Systems from other countries.

14 In our opinion,the Philippines is not very different from Japan in terms of Railroad Management, both countries has privatized the Railroad system with the government there to support and monitor when needed, but what is mainly the difference when it comes to output, is that Japan has good maintainance and still strives towards making their service even better than present, it researches for better system and materials in order to secure the safety of the passengers, meanwhile in the Philippines even if the Train System is privatized the lack of motivation to further improve their service and prioritize safety is an alarming threat, in what seems to be like an abuse of power, people need then to go from one place to another and they don t need to improve on their service since they are a necessity, the way how the operator thinks and acts is the difference between good and bad. In order to have sustainable development the Philippine government or the Private Sector Managing the Rail Transport Systems must be able to notice the change in the Philippine population, one of the problems is overcrowding on the trains which may cause the trains to deteriorate faster, the proposed solution for this is to add more train carts in order to have faster intervals when it comes to the arrival of the trains in the platform, since the number of train carts active now is no different from the time they were created years ago, when population in the area was far less than what we have at present, so the number of carts must be directly correlated with the current population of the country. Policy Recommendations

15 Based on our research, we have come up with recommendations to further improve the current situation of Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Systems in the country. The following are our recommendations: Linear correlation between the number of train and the number of current population residing around the area of service Strengthen and establish a firm and stable public-private partnership between the government (national and local) and private sector in managing, monitoring and maintenance of the rail systems (LRT and MRT) based on existing policies and regulations mandated by the constitution. Proper allocation and budgeting of financial resources used to afford new sets of trains. Proper maintenance (based on given procedures and processes) and regular check-ups on each and every operating trains. Efficient train schedules in every station ( allot certain time intervals ) Regular monitoring and evaluation of system performance (Supply and Demand relationships) Establishment of Capacity Building Programs to promote cooperative and collaborative efforts to improve the current conditions of Philippine Rail Transit Systems. Installation of additional train stations accessible for everyone in the city. Systematized boarding and drop off schedules

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