Overhauling Philippine Transport System

Julie Anne Tapit-Vital

Originally published in The Valiant Vol. 1 No. 17 June 2015-January 2016

The callousness and incompetence of concerned authorities with regard to the faulty transportation system of the country might bring the entire Metro to the brink of worst-ever urban disaster. 

The issue on transportation and traffic problems in the city is already overemphasized if not taken for granted by many. People have created their own ways on how to adapt with this seemingly unfathomable dilemma. 

There is a popular saying by the great poet Maya Angelou which states, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Too bad many among us city people seem to have surrendered to the latter. We cannot blame ourselves, though. The everyday struggle of braving the city’s traffic and transportation problem has put us into a disheartened, miserable state. 

Before we completely lose ourselves to hopelessness, let us count the reasons why we must persist in solving this perennial city problem.

First, traffic problems decrease productivity. Business people have already attested to this. Even business owners themselves abhor the idea that their employees cannot report on time because they were stuck in traffic. What makes it worse is the fact that these employees arrive at work, yet unable to function well because their potential energies were all eaten up by the commute itself. 

Second, traffic problems hamper economic growth. When there is not enough production from the labor force, the economic growth would surely be affected in a rather negative way. For example, delays in the delivery of goods would affect its quality and marketability. Fresh vegetables coming from Baguio City, if caught up with delivery delays, would arrive in Manila wilted and unfit for selling. 

Lastly, traffic problems deny quality time for families. Diligent workers allot huge amount of time for their transportation just so to reach work on time. It is indeed a responsible act in the professional aspect, but in the expense of the longer and quality time devoted to the family. This often results to weaker family ties, rebellious children, and troublesome marriages. 

The effects are absolutely overwhelming. In my opinion, the general public endured and sacrificed enough to deal with this problem. It is the concerned authorities and the government’s inaction that makes this problem aggravate even more. 

If only the government has enough political will to address these repercussions, our country would have been greater than it is today. 

For instance, the government should have built better transportation systems so that commuters would have more options in their daily transport. It can be recalled that President Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III once said he would let the train run over him if the new Metro Rail Transit line fails to finish in 2016. Now that 2016 has arrived and the train is yet to be seen, many are wondering if President Aquino would fulfill his words.

Our neighboring and developed countries such as Singapore have impressive subway systems. Japan boasts its bullet train as one of the fastest modes of transportation in the world. We may belong in the Third World, but what difference do we have from these rich countries when it comes to desire in improving our own transportation system?

Philippines needs an overhaul. Let us begin with the kind of leaders we put into power. Let us avoid leaders who are lame and insensitive of the people’s ills; those who put the blame to the general public—to us workers who move the economy forward. It’s time for us to choose leaders who are serious and driven to solve this longstanding dilemma. #