The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has implemented various transportation projects this year aimed at ensuring ease of travel among commuters and improving the traffic situation in the country.
These projects are part of the "Build, Build, Build" program of the Duterte administration, which aims to build vital infrastructures seeking to provide connectivity in various areas of the country to promote economic growth and decongest Metro Manila.
In November 5, the agency inaugurated the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), which is the first integrated and multi-modal terminal in the southwestern part of Metro Manila.
The facility will serve as transfer point between provincial buses of Cavite and Batangas, as well as in-city modes of transportation.
It will also provide interconnectivity between different transport modes and services that will ensure efficient and seamless travel for commuters.
Located along the Coastal Road, the PITX is expected to reduce the number of provincial buses plying Metro Manila, specifically on Taft Avenue-Pasay and Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa).
“So, I am impressed, I am proud na ginawa nila itong magandang (that they built this beautiful) structure. And it will serve the Filipino and that is what’s very important to me,” President Rodrigo Duterte said when he graced the inauguration rites.
“As the first integrated and multi-modal terminal in the southwestern part of Metro Manila, PITX is a landmark project -- a 'landport' that feels and functions like an airport,” he added.
PITX will have world-class facilities like those of an airport such as departure and arrival areas and baggage handling facilities that can accommodate over 100,000 passengers per day.
It also has automated ticketing and bus monitoring systems and multiple terminals for bus, jeepney, UV express, taxis and transport network services.
Buses coming from provinces near Metro Manila must pass through the terminal to pick up and drop off passengers.
“All buses will utilize PITX,” DOTr officer-in-charge Undersecretary for Road Transport Mark de Leon said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
However, the DOTr has issued Department Order 2018-025, which converted the franchises of buses in selected areas in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna into city operations not to end their routes at PITX and directly traverse through Metro Manila.
These buses operate along commuter routes within the Greater Manila Area which have high passenger demand.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has likewise allowed 60 additional buses traversing the following routes: PITX to Ayala via Buendia in Makati City; PITX to NAIA Airport Loop; PITX to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and PITX to Plaza Lawton in Manila to address passenger demand for transportation going to Metro Manila.
It has also issued special permits to 500 UV Express units with routes from Paliparan to PITX via Molino and Bacoor to PITX via Molino as well as 40 jeepney units with routes from Paliparan to PITX via Molino and Dasmarinas to PITX via Aguinaldo Highway.
The DOTr has assured that it will conduct a review on the operations of PITX to address concerns on the lack of available transport to ferry passengers to and from the terminal.
More terminals
Meanwhile, the department has conducted last January the groundbreaking of the Taguig Integrated Terminal Exchange (ITX) which is expected to ease traffic congestion in Edsa.
Taguig ITX is projected to accommodate 4,000 buses and 160,000 passengers per day. It will likewise feature a pedestrian walkway connecting to the PNR FTI station and the proposed Mega Manila subway system.
The DOTr is also eyeing to construct the North Integrated Terminal Exchange in Bocaue, Bulacan which will serve as a stop for buses coming from the provinces along the northern part of Metro Manila.
The department is likewise pushing for the implementation of an integrated transport system (ITS) to address the traffic congestion in Metro Cebu.
The system will include various transportation modes such as a bus rapid transit system; point to point bus system; a monorail in Lapu-Lapu City, and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines from Carcar to Danao and the Mandaue to Airport Line.
“The ITS was developed after due consideration of Metro Cebu’s road profile, and the fast-growing need of efficient mass transport systems in bigger, interconnected cities. Habang papaunlad ang ating mga lungsod ay kailangan din nating tugunan ang pangangailangan para sa mas episyente na pampublikong transportasyon (As our cities progress, we need to address the need for an efficient public transportation)," Tugade said in a statement last July.
Under the transport plan, a Common Station is being considered in two areas: a coastal district and a city center.
Passengers will be ushered to an interlink terminal where connecting transit systems of all the components (bus-to-LRT, bus-to-BRT, or BRT-to-LRT) are located.
The DOTr aims to achieve partial operability of the multi-modal transport system within the next one and a half to two years.
“Once implemented, Cebu will become beautiful and more livable. The ITS will encourage interoperability and interconnectivity of land, air, and sea transportation,” according to Tugade.
MRT rehab, other railway projects
A major achievement for the railway sector this year is the signing of the PHP18-billion loan agreement between the Philippines and Japan for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) last November 8.
The loan agreement covers the repair and maintenance of the MRT-3’s electromechanical components, power supply, rail tracks, and depot equipment and the overhaul of its 72 light rail vehicles.
Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will take over the rehabilitation and maintenance of MRT-3. The consortium signed and built the railway system from 1998 to 2000 and maintained the system from 2000 to 2012.
“Transition is already ongoing up to December; the full mobilization will be by January,” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said in an earlier interview to the PNA.
The upgrade of the MRT-3 will take about 43 months, with the first 26 months focused on the rehabilitation of the entire system.
Meanwhile, the MRT has deployed the initial set of trains that were purchased from Chinese firm CRRC Dalian.
The first train set which consists of three cars was deployed to the MRT line last October while another train set was deployed this December.
A total of 48 Dalian light rail vehicles were delivered to the country in 2016 but were not deployed to the MRT line due to compatibility issues. Supplier CCRC Dalian eventually agreed to absorb the costs for the adjustments of the trains.
The Dalian trains must first undergo the 1,000-kilometer test run for 150 hours before these are deployed during peak hours of the MRT-3's operations, according to the DOTr.
Unloading incidents in the railway system have declined to 56 from January to November this year compared to 440 and 562 for the same period in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The MRT management attributed this to the ongoing maintenance works on the MRT and the delivery of vital spare parts.
The MRT-3 currently runs an average of 15 trains daily with headway time of seven minutes serving around 300,000 passengers.
The DOTr has likewise said that the construction for the Metro Manila Subway is slated to begin next year and have its partial operability by 2022.
The subway system aims to have partial operations in three stations: North Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, and Tandang Sora with its full operations in 2025.
Last March, the Philippine and Japanese governments signed a loan agreement for the subway project with the initial tranche amounting to 104.53 billion yen or roughly PHP49.45 billion.
The first phase of the 25-km underground railway, which has an estimated cost of PHP356.96 billion, will have a total of 14 stations from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Parañaque City.
The succeeding phases will involve extending the subway system to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and Dasmariñas, Cavite.
The department has also awarded the project management consultancy contract for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Rail Project to the China Railway Design Corp. (CRDC) and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Corp. (WACC) last November 17.
The railway project would be financed through the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) from the government of China.
The CRDC-WACC Consortium will conduct all pre-construction surveys (topographic, geotechnical, hydrological, parcellary, environmental, etc.), preparation of designs for bidding, preparation of bidding documents, bidding assistance, construction supervision, and defects liability period (warranty) supervision.
The 639-kilometer PNR Bicol Project covering Manila to Matnog town in Sorsogon is expected to be partially operational by 2022.
Furthermore, the Philippines and Japan have signed an exchange of notes over the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension Project last November.
The NSCR Extension Project will be financed through an ODA loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank.
The railway project which has a total cost of PHP 777.75 billion, will integrate the PNR Clark Phase 1 from Tutuban to Malolos, PNR Clark Phase 2 from Malolos to Clark International Airport and from PNR Solis to Calamba. It will consist of 36 stations and a double-track elevated railway system that will connect the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon; and enable seamless transfer of passengers with the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), LRT-2, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and the Mega Manila Subway.
Dev't of regional airports
The DOTr is also pursuing the development of airports outside Metro Manila to decongest NAIA, which has recorded around 42 million passengers -- exceeding its capacity of just 31 million passengers.
The department is eyeing to utilize Clark International Airport as an alternative gateway to the country.
Its new passenger terminal building which broke ground on December last year was awarded to the consortium of Megawide and GMR Infrastructure.
The new terminal is expected to accommodate up to 8 million passengers per year.
Meanwhile, a consortium between Singapore’s Changi Airport and local conglomerates JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Filinvest Development Corp will likely secure the operations and maintenance of Clark Airport, according to Tugade.
The bidder, known as North Luzon Airport Consortium, emerged as the sole qualified group after the only other challenger, dubbed X-Droid Consortium, was disqualified during the bidding which was conducted last November.
The consortium that will bag the O&M contract shall manage and operate Clark airport’s existing terminal and the New Terminal Building according to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) who is in charge of the implementation of the project.
The BCDA is targeting to award the project, a so-called hybrid Public Private Partnership project with a 25-year concession.
The DOTr is also seen to award two key airport projects in Bulacan and Manila by early 2019.
These projects namely San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) P800-billion international airport in Bulacan province and NAIA Consortium’s PHP102-billion offer to modernize and operate NAIA had yet to be cleared by the Investment Coordination Committee of the NEDA (NEDA-ICC), according to the department.
The approval of the NEDA-ICC will be followed by the approval of the NEDA Board, which is chaired by President Duterte. As unsolicited proposals, the final step is a bidding process known as Swiss Challenge, which requires at least 60 days.
NAIA Consortium and SMC were awarded the original proponent status for their respective projects.
NAIA Consortium’s members are Ayala Corp., Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Alliance Global Group Inc., Asia Emerging Dragon, Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Its technical partner is Changi Airports International.
The consortium’s proposal to rehabilitate NAIA involves the expansion and interconnection of the existing NAIA terminals, upgrade of airside facilities,
development of commercial facilities to ensure efficient airline and airport operations, enhancing passenger comfort and experience, and elevating the status of NAIA as the country's premier international gateway.
On the other hand, SMC is planning a brand-new airport in Bulakan, Bulacan that will have as many as six parallel runways and a capacity of over 100 million passengers yearly.
Currently, there are 13 domestic airports and 12 international airports across the country that are either completed or have ongoing improvements and upgrades, according to the DOTr.
The department has also completed the night-rating of 20 out of 42 airports, making them capable of handling nighttime flights.
Maritime industry dev't program
The DOTr, together with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), reopened the Davao to Manila passenger shipping route last October 28.
The shipping route is envisioned to enhance connectivity and mobility between Luzon and Mindanao, providing people more travel options and lowering the prices of goods and commodities through the access of freight containers traveling from Davao to Manila and vice versa.
The MARINA has completed the formulation of its projects to be implemented under the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Program (MIDP), which aims to establish a safe and modernized maritime sector in the country.
The priority programs to be implemented under the MIDP are the upgrading of domestic shipping in support of the nautical highway development; development of shipping services for maritime tourism; development of Coastal and Inland Waterways Transport (CIWT) system; strengthening of safety standards of Philippine Registered Fishing Vessels; development of global maritime hub; enhancement of maritime safety in the Philippines; modernization of maritime security in the Philippines, and the establishment of a maritime innovation and knowledge center.
The 10-year MIDP seeks to achieve a nationally integrated and globally competitive maritime industry through developing and supporting an organizational culture and practice of leading in maritime education, innovation, technology, and sustainability.
A major initiative being pursued under the MIDP is the modernization of domestic ships such as turning wooden-hulled motor bancas into either steel, aluminum, or fiberglass boats. It also involves strengthening of the capability of local shipyards and promoting the development of locally-made ships.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056817
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Quiapo Fiesta: Feast of the Black Nazarene 2019 Schedule of Activities, Procession Route, Traffic Advisory and More
The year is coming to an end and come January 9, 2019, devotees will flock to Quiapo for the annual Traslacion. This religious event is celebrated by devout Catholics especially with the belief that the image of the Black Nazarene can help them cure their illnesses. According to the administrators of the Church of the Black Nazarene, they will put life-sized replicas of the Black Nazarene in different stations.
The centuries-old Black Nazarene is hard to reach during this time because of the many people who come to the feast that’s why the church administrators decided to put the replicas at different stations. This is also to avoid congestion where people get hurt during the procession due to millions of devotees who participate in the traslacion each year.
Drones will be allowed next year to fly through the route of the processions if they meet the requirements of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Drone operators are also required to be accompanied by police officers. The route of the Traslacion next year is the same as this year’s.
How to Get to Quiapo Church
Quezon Boulevard, the main road to Quiapo Church, will not be passable during the Quiapo Fiesta. The best way to reach the church is by using LRT 1 or LRT 2.
Via LRT 1 – Get off at the Recto Station near Isetann Mall then walk towards the church from Claro M. Recto.
Via LRT 2 – Get off at the Carriedo or Central Station then walk towards the Quiapo Church.
Feast of the Black Nazarene 2019 Schedule of Activities
On January 9, 2019, the procession is expected to leave the Luneta Grandstand around 6 am and would bring back the image of the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church. The procession is expected to last for 12 hours.
2019 Feast Crowd Route
Here is the proposed Feast 2019 procession route:
Quirino Grandstand (Rizal Park)
left to Katigbak Drive thru Padre Burgos Street
left to Taft Avenue thru Jones Bridge
right to Dasmariñas Street
right to Plaza Sta. Cruz Street
left to Carlos Palanca Street thru under Quezon Bridge
left to Quezon Boulevard
right to Arlegui Street
right to Fraternal Street
right to Vergara Street
left to Duque de Alba Street
left to Castillejos Street
left to Farnecio Street
right to Arlegui Street
left to Nepomuceno Street
left to Concepcion Aguila Street
right to Carcer Street
right to Hidalgo thru Plaza del Carmen
left to Bilibid Viejo thru Gil Puyat
left to J.P. De Guzman Street
right to Hidalgo Street
left to Barbosa Street (Bautista Street)
right to Globo de Oro Street thru under Quezon Bridge
right to Palanca Street
right to Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda and to Quiapo Church
Alternate Routes during 2019 Celebration
To be announced
The centuries-old Black Nazarene is hard to reach during this time because of the many people who come to the feast that’s why the church administrators decided to put the replicas at different stations. This is also to avoid congestion where people get hurt during the procession due to millions of devotees who participate in the traslacion each year.
Drones will be allowed next year to fly through the route of the processions if they meet the requirements of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Drone operators are also required to be accompanied by police officers. The route of the Traslacion next year is the same as this year’s.
How to Get to Quiapo Church
Quezon Boulevard, the main road to Quiapo Church, will not be passable during the Quiapo Fiesta. The best way to reach the church is by using LRT 1 or LRT 2.
Via LRT 1 – Get off at the Recto Station near Isetann Mall then walk towards the church from Claro M. Recto.
Via LRT 2 – Get off at the Carriedo or Central Station then walk towards the Quiapo Church.
Feast of the Black Nazarene 2019 Schedule of Activities
On January 9, 2019, the procession is expected to leave the Luneta Grandstand around 6 am and would bring back the image of the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church. The procession is expected to last for 12 hours.
2019 Feast Crowd Route
Here is the proposed Feast 2019 procession route:
Quirino Grandstand (Rizal Park)
left to Katigbak Drive thru Padre Burgos Street
left to Taft Avenue thru Jones Bridge
right to Dasmariñas Street
right to Plaza Sta. Cruz Street
left to Carlos Palanca Street thru under Quezon Bridge
left to Quezon Boulevard
right to Arlegui Street
right to Fraternal Street
right to Vergara Street
left to Duque de Alba Street
left to Castillejos Street
left to Farnecio Street
right to Arlegui Street
left to Nepomuceno Street
left to Concepcion Aguila Street
right to Carcer Street
right to Hidalgo thru Plaza del Carmen
left to Bilibid Viejo thru Gil Puyat
left to J.P. De Guzman Street
right to Hidalgo Street
left to Barbosa Street (Bautista Street)
right to Globo de Oro Street thru under Quezon Bridge
right to Palanca Street
right to Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda and to Quiapo Church
Alternate Routes during 2019 Celebration
To be announced
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Speaking of L2 BGM:
"As posted in Pinoy Joyride:
We can massively improve this by adopting what we see in other countries:
- including station numbers (for ex. L2 is now what, the Purple Line? BGM can be [P07] - Betty Go Belmonte)
- include next station in small font saturation 50% - current station (highlighted in bold) immediate past station in small font saturation 50% with directional arrows
ex: ← [P08] Gilmore [P07] - Betty Go Belmonte ← [P06] Araneta Center Cubao
We can massively improve this by adopting what we see in other countries:
- including station numbers (for ex. L2 is now what, the Purple Line? BGM can be [P07] - Betty Go Belmonte)
- include next station in small font saturation 50% - current station (highlighted in bold) immediate past station in small font saturation 50% with directional arrows
ex: ← [P08] Gilmore [P07] - Betty Go Belmonte ← [P06] Araneta Center Cubao
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Makati holds groundbreaking ceremony for first intra-city train system in PH
THE Makati City government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would pave the way for the construction of the first intra-city mass transit in the country.
The P185-billion Public Rail Transport (PRT) is a joint venture between Makati and the Philippine InfraDev Holdings Inc., a consortium of local and foreign investors, which will ensure and maintain operations and serve as a control hub for 30 years.
Lawyer Michael Camiña said the PRT would run through 10 stations along Ayala Avenue near the Bureau of Fire Protection, Circuit Mall, Makati City Hall, Guadalupe Village and city-run Ospital ng Makati.
Mayor Abby Binay, who led the groundbreaking on Wednesday, promised to have the project done by 2023.
“I believe the Makati Subway will be a very valuable legacy, and I am fully committed to its timely completion and operation. It will make a lasting positive impact on the lives of our residents, and contribute significantly to the city’s sustainable development and economic growth,” Binay said.
Binay added that the intra-city subway system was expected to create about 6,000 new jobs during its construction and its operations in 2024.
Once completed, the subway system will be able to serve up to 27,000 passengers per hour and per direction on an interval of three to six minutes between trains on the first year, with 12 operational trains.
The subway system will have two tracks, up to 10 underground stations, and air-conditioned coaches, which can accommodate 200 persons per car. The entire system spans 10 kilometers with a train yard, maintenance depot, and central command center at ground level.
Camiña said PRT was also prepared to accommodate as many as 40,500 passengers per hour during peak hours. The train system will run on an 18-hour operational cycle.
It will also be linked to ferry transport, interchanges to the existing MRT 3 line, as well as potential links to the future Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Metro Manila subway.
According to JICA’s congestion valuations, the Philippines will gain at least $600 million annually in gross domestic product (GDP)just for enhanced productivity.
Feasibility studies project 270,000 fewer cars in the streets of Makati by 2048, which Binay said would also decongest neighboring cities, particularly in major thoroughfares used by millions of commuters and motorists daily.
https://www.manilatimes.net/makati-holds-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-first-intra-city-train-system-in-ph/481621/
The P185-billion Public Rail Transport (PRT) is a joint venture between Makati and the Philippine InfraDev Holdings Inc., a consortium of local and foreign investors, which will ensure and maintain operations and serve as a control hub for 30 years.
Lawyer Michael Camiña said the PRT would run through 10 stations along Ayala Avenue near the Bureau of Fire Protection, Circuit Mall, Makati City Hall, Guadalupe Village and city-run Ospital ng Makati.
Mayor Abby Binay, who led the groundbreaking on Wednesday, promised to have the project done by 2023.
“I believe the Makati Subway will be a very valuable legacy, and I am fully committed to its timely completion and operation. It will make a lasting positive impact on the lives of our residents, and contribute significantly to the city’s sustainable development and economic growth,” Binay said.
Binay added that the intra-city subway system was expected to create about 6,000 new jobs during its construction and its operations in 2024.
NOW: Groundbreaking rites for the Public Railway Transport System here in Makati City Hall. @TheManilaTimes pic.twitter.com/LkhRrLQXP7
— Neil Servallos (@tmtnjservallos) December 12, 2018
Once completed, the subway system will be able to serve up to 27,000 passengers per hour and per direction on an interval of three to six minutes between trains on the first year, with 12 operational trains.
The subway system will have two tracks, up to 10 underground stations, and air-conditioned coaches, which can accommodate 200 persons per car. The entire system spans 10 kilometers with a train yard, maintenance depot, and central command center at ground level.
Camiña said PRT was also prepared to accommodate as many as 40,500 passengers per hour during peak hours. The train system will run on an 18-hour operational cycle.
It will also be linked to ferry transport, interchanges to the existing MRT 3 line, as well as potential links to the future Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Metro Manila subway.
According to JICA’s congestion valuations, the Philippines will gain at least $600 million annually in gross domestic product (GDP)just for enhanced productivity.
Feasibility studies project 270,000 fewer cars in the streets of Makati by 2048, which Binay said would also decongest neighboring cities, particularly in major thoroughfares used by millions of commuters and motorists daily.
https://www.manilatimes.net/makati-holds-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-first-intra-city-train-system-in-ph/481621/
MRT 3 reports 90% drop in unloading cases
Compared to the same period in 2016 and 2017, the number of unloading incidents reported this year by Metro Manila’s busiest light rail system, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3, has dropped by around 80 to 90 percent.
According to data presented by the MRT 3 management, the cases of off-loading — in which passengers were forced to alight from a train due to disruptions in operations — went down to just 56 from January to November this year.
The figure was a marked improvement from the 440 and 562 incidents recorded during the same months in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
At least nine of the 56 unloading incidents happened in February when the number of functioning MRT 3 trains went down to a single digit.
11-minute wait
At 5 p.m. on Feb. 12, there were just seven operational trains, resulting in an 11-minute wait for passengers at the different stations.
Normally, the MRT 3 should have 15 trains running during rush hour and 12 trains at off-peak hours.
Due to the deterioration in services and the long wait in between trains, ridership was drastically affected.
In February, the MRT 3 ferried close to 259,000 passengers, a steep drop from its daily average of 463,000 passengers in 2017.
Things, however, improved in April as the number of operational trains went up once more to 15 with the arrival of much-needed spare parts.
The MRT 3’s longest glitch-free streak was 31 days until an electrical failure on Nov. 17 led to the off-loading of 650 passengers at Gil Puyat station.
The train system also recorded 17 instances of service interruptions that did not lead to the unloading of passengers.
Continuous maintenance
The MRT 3 management attributed the train system’s better performance to its staff’s continuous maintenance work.
However, the improvements could also be traced to the return of Sumitomo, the MRT 3’s original maintenance provider, for the implementation of a 43-month rehabilitation project.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1062215/mrt-3-reports-90-drop-in-unloading-cases
According to data presented by the MRT 3 management, the cases of off-loading — in which passengers were forced to alight from a train due to disruptions in operations — went down to just 56 from January to November this year.
The figure was a marked improvement from the 440 and 562 incidents recorded during the same months in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
At least nine of the 56 unloading incidents happened in February when the number of functioning MRT 3 trains went down to a single digit.
11-minute wait
At 5 p.m. on Feb. 12, there were just seven operational trains, resulting in an 11-minute wait for passengers at the different stations.
Normally, the MRT 3 should have 15 trains running during rush hour and 12 trains at off-peak hours.
Due to the deterioration in services and the long wait in between trains, ridership was drastically affected.
In February, the MRT 3 ferried close to 259,000 passengers, a steep drop from its daily average of 463,000 passengers in 2017.
Things, however, improved in April as the number of operational trains went up once more to 15 with the arrival of much-needed spare parts.
The MRT 3’s longest glitch-free streak was 31 days until an electrical failure on Nov. 17 led to the off-loading of 650 passengers at Gil Puyat station.
The train system also recorded 17 instances of service interruptions that did not lead to the unloading of passengers.
Continuous maintenance
The MRT 3 management attributed the train system’s better performance to its staff’s continuous maintenance work.
However, the improvements could also be traced to the return of Sumitomo, the MRT 3’s original maintenance provider, for the implementation of a 43-month rehabilitation project.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1062215/mrt-3-reports-90-drop-in-unloading-cases
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
MRT-3 rolls out second Dalian train
The second Dalian train hit the tracks of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) on Tuesday, nearly over a month after its first train set was rolled out.
MRT-3 Director for Operations Mike Capati confirmed this to INQUIRER.net in a text message following the train update of the management.
“This is the 2nd train set undergoing 150 (hours) test,” Capati said.
At 10 a.m., the second train set of Dalian with three coaches was rolled out to the public and was used until 2 p.m.
Like the first train set, the second Dalian train would undergo a 150-hour test before it could fully be rolled out.
A 150-hour test takes around 33 revenue days.
The first set of Dalian, which was rolled out in October, has just finished its 150-hour battery test last Nov. 21
However, it was put back to the depot of the MRT-3 as the management awaits for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) report on its performance.
Aside from Sumitomo, MRT-3’s service provider, the PNR also supervised some parts of the Dalian trains during the battery test conducted.
Recently, Senator Grace Poe, head of the Senate public works committee, slammed the roll out of the Dalian train on the tracks of the MRT-3
According to Poe, one working Dalian train is nothing to be proud of given the length of the waiting time before the country rolled out a single train.
“People have been asking me: What can you say now that one of the Dalian trains is working? Eh ‘di masaya (Well, I’m happy),” Poe said during a forum.
“But remember this: we bought the trains in 2014. It’s 2018 now. Of the 16 trains, 48 coaches, only one train is running. Is this really something to be proud of?” she asked. /je
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1062150/mrt-3-rolls-out-second-dalian-train
MRT-3 Director for Operations Mike Capati confirmed this to INQUIRER.net in a text message following the train update of the management.
“This is the 2nd train set undergoing 150 (hours) test,” Capati said.
At 10 a.m., the second train set of Dalian with three coaches was rolled out to the public and was used until 2 p.m.
Like the first train set, the second Dalian train would undergo a 150-hour test before it could fully be rolled out.
A 150-hour test takes around 33 revenue days.
The first set of Dalian, which was rolled out in October, has just finished its 150-hour battery test last Nov. 21
However, it was put back to the depot of the MRT-3 as the management awaits for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) report on its performance.
Aside from Sumitomo, MRT-3’s service provider, the PNR also supervised some parts of the Dalian trains during the battery test conducted.
Recently, Senator Grace Poe, head of the Senate public works committee, slammed the roll out of the Dalian train on the tracks of the MRT-3
According to Poe, one working Dalian train is nothing to be proud of given the length of the waiting time before the country rolled out a single train.
“People have been asking me: What can you say now that one of the Dalian trains is working? Eh ‘di masaya (Well, I’m happy),” Poe said during a forum.
“But remember this: we bought the trains in 2014. It’s 2018 now. Of the 16 trains, 48 coaches, only one train is running. Is this really something to be proud of?” she asked. /je
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1062150/mrt-3-rolls-out-second-dalian-train
Friday, December 7, 2018
Katipunan Avenue extension takes off after almost 6 decades
After almost six decades on the drawing board, the Katipunan Ave. extension project that will ease traffic in the area going to Batasan and San Mateo, Rizal, will finally push through.
This, after the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Thursday. Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar signed on behalf of DPWH, while Administrator Rey Velasco signed for MWSS.
The signing was held at the MWSS head office in Balara, Quezon City.
The project will cost PHP90 million. In an interview after the signing ceremony, Velasco said the road project was planned way back in 1960, but suffered many delays due to right-of-way problem, since many of the land areas are owned by private individuals.
Velasco said that after many negotiations failed over the years, the government under President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “Build, Build Program” program finally was able to convince private owners, whose lands are affected by the road construction, to sell their properties.
Roselle Agustin of DPWH said the government bought the land ranging from as much as PHP9,900 to PHP40,000 per sq. meter, depending on the location of the land.
Agustin said the construction will last for 10 months.
With the worsening traffic congestion in Metro Manila, such as on Katipunan Ave. and Commonwealth Ave., both in Quezon City, Villar revived the road extension project, which has been in the doldrums for 58 years.
It aims to decongest traffic in the area, including the Batasan-San Mateo Road with a total length of 7.11 kilometers.
The extension will start at the corner of Katipunan Ave. and MWSS properties passing through Loyola Grand Villas, the properties owned by the Government Service Insurance System, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Mutual Benefit Association, Inc., Capitol Homes, Vista Real Subdivision, and Filinvest Northview Subdivision with a total length of 5.76 km.
When the project will be completed in 10 months, traffic along Katipunan Ave. will be decongested, as well as along nearby major thoroughfares, not to mention the economic boom in these areas, Velasco said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056017
This, after the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Thursday. Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar signed on behalf of DPWH, while Administrator Rey Velasco signed for MWSS.
The signing was held at the MWSS head office in Balara, Quezon City.
The project will cost PHP90 million. In an interview after the signing ceremony, Velasco said the road project was planned way back in 1960, but suffered many delays due to right-of-way problem, since many of the land areas are owned by private individuals.
Velasco said that after many negotiations failed over the years, the government under President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “Build, Build Program” program finally was able to convince private owners, whose lands are affected by the road construction, to sell their properties.
Roselle Agustin of DPWH said the government bought the land ranging from as much as PHP9,900 to PHP40,000 per sq. meter, depending on the location of the land.
Agustin said the construction will last for 10 months.
With the worsening traffic congestion in Metro Manila, such as on Katipunan Ave. and Commonwealth Ave., both in Quezon City, Villar revived the road extension project, which has been in the doldrums for 58 years.
It aims to decongest traffic in the area, including the Batasan-San Mateo Road with a total length of 7.11 kilometers.
The extension will start at the corner of Katipunan Ave. and MWSS properties passing through Loyola Grand Villas, the properties owned by the Government Service Insurance System, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Mutual Benefit Association, Inc., Capitol Homes, Vista Real Subdivision, and Filinvest Northview Subdivision with a total length of 5.76 km.
When the project will be completed in 10 months, traffic along Katipunan Ave. will be decongested, as well as along nearby major thoroughfares, not to mention the economic boom in these areas, Velasco said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056017
PNR South railway project to kick off next year: Salceda
LEGAZPI CITY -- Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said he is optimistic that the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Rail Project covering Manila to Matnog town in Sorsogon will be partially operational by 2022.
Salceda said the project update was issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) during a committee hearing on Tuesday. The DOTr also said the project would start by next year.
He said that once the project is completed, travel time from Manila to Sorsogon would only take six hours.
Salceda, in a statement, said a loan-signing agreement between the DOTr and China Export-Import Bank would take place this month.
He said the project cost was initially placed at PHP175 billion.
On Nov. 17 this year, the DOTr Project Management Consulting Service awarded the south railway project to the China Railway Design Corp. and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Corp. of the Republic of China.
The project would be under the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), where the People Republic of China (PRC) would be tasked to pursue the PNR commuter and “long haul” rail project covering 639 kilometers of rail tracks from Manila to Sorsogon.
Salceda said the south railway system will start from Manila and pass through Batangas, Lucena, Naga, Legazpi, Sorsogon, and end at Matnog.
Under the agreement, the PRC would construct and develop the following: civil works, electro-mechanical system, rolling stock and consulting services while the government would take charge of land acquisition and resettlement of thousands of informal settlers affected by the project.
The DOTr reported that 85,000 families would be affected and have to be relocated once the project starts, Salceda said.
The DOTr is closely coordinating with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to look for relocation sites for the affected families. (PNA)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056000
Salceda said the project update was issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) during a committee hearing on Tuesday. The DOTr also said the project would start by next year.
He said that once the project is completed, travel time from Manila to Sorsogon would only take six hours.
Salceda, in a statement, said a loan-signing agreement between the DOTr and China Export-Import Bank would take place this month.
He said the project cost was initially placed at PHP175 billion.
On Nov. 17 this year, the DOTr Project Management Consulting Service awarded the south railway project to the China Railway Design Corp. and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Corp. of the Republic of China.
The project would be under the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), where the People Republic of China (PRC) would be tasked to pursue the PNR commuter and “long haul” rail project covering 639 kilometers of rail tracks from Manila to Sorsogon.
Salceda said the south railway system will start from Manila and pass through Batangas, Lucena, Naga, Legazpi, Sorsogon, and end at Matnog.
Under the agreement, the PRC would construct and develop the following: civil works, electro-mechanical system, rolling stock and consulting services while the government would take charge of land acquisition and resettlement of thousands of informal settlers affected by the project.
The DOTr reported that 85,000 families would be affected and have to be relocated once the project starts, Salceda said.
The DOTr is closely coordinating with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to look for relocation sites for the affected families. (PNA)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056000
Traffic concerns
The House finally passed on third and final reading the Traffic Emergency Powers bill that was frozen by former speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. Current Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made good her promise to pass all of President Duterte’s priority bills.
I checked with Sen. Grace Poe on the status of the same measure in the Senate. She said their version is totally different and is in a period of interpellation.
Sen. Grace said their problem from the start was the failure of DOTr to provide a list of specific projects and plans. The senators do not want to give Sec Tugade blanket authority to procure without bidding. She also described as weird the proposal of Sec. Tugade to put cable cars on EDSA.
During interpellation in September last year, Sen. Ralph Recto said emergency powers may not be the solution to the traffic problem. Sen. Recto thinks the problem is more systemic or organizational… government’s lack of planning and lack of technical capability to implement.
Sen. Grace said she also asked President Duterte if he personally thought he needed the emergency powers. The President, Sen. Grace said, told her he doesn’t care because he can implement measures needed without emergency powers.
Senator Grace said the senators agreed with the President’s view. She also said they don’t want to give Sec Tugade blanket powers to implement projects without proper consultation like what happened with PITX.
Assuming Congress finally crafts an emergency powers bill acceptable to all, will it make a difference now?
Before the Duterte administration took office, I was part of a group that met with the then designated transport secretary to figure out what can be done to give the public some relief. We agreed that some amount of emergency powers is necessary to get the bureaucracy moving with one purpose in mind.
To Secretary Art Tugade’s credit, he did try to get some things going even without emergency power to show a difference in traffic flow, particularly in EDSA. But politics and turf protection proved too strong.
In one meeting, we found out that the MMDA and the PNP Highway Patrol Group don’t even share the same radio frequency. How can they coordinate? We also needed to get other agencies involved to move as one. The IACT or Inter Agency Committee on Traffic was organized. That’s where we are today.
Given the political resistance, the idea of passing the emergency powers bill was practically abandoned. I imagine Sec Tugade didn’t mind because it removed one big problem off his plate. But with the passage of the House bill, traffic is now Tugade’s responsibility again.
Under HB 6425, the DOTr secretary, as “alter ego” of the President, would have emergency powers for three years as traffic chief. He will have jurisdiction over the traffic in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Davao City.
The transport secretary has the power to harmonize and enforce all traffic rules and regulations, implement a unified traffic system throughout each metropolitan area, and carry out priority projects which would have an ”immediate, significant, and measurable impact” on the traffic crisis. That sounds like too much bluster and promise that will deliver nothing much.
For now, we can only hope that the new MMDA chief traffic enforcer in EDSA, said to be a tough disciplinarian, will be able to produce palpable results. After all, a
UP traffic expert did say a few days ago that simple compliance to loading and unloading zones will show a marked improvement in traffic flow.
However, the stark reality of inadequate infrastructure and an ever rising number of vehicles on the road are the biggest problems. I doubt if the emergency traffic powers in the proposed law will let Secretary Tugade have what it takes to fasttrack infra projects to address the problem.
Indeed, Sen. Recto already pointed out that key to alleviating the traffic problems are three major road projects that must be completed: NLEX-SLEX connector road (MPIC); Road connecting to the port (MPIC); and NLEX-SLEX Skyway (San Miguel).
The Harbor road connected to NLEX had been completed. But the two NLEX-SLEX road and skyway projects are ongoing and delayed.
San Miguel’s NLEX-SLEX Skyway is supposed to take out as much as 50 percent of traffic from EDSA. It has been much delayed due to right of way problems.
I just checked and it seems the ROW problems aren’t over. Additionally, there are buildings along the route that prevents the rotation of the big concrete support slabs to their proper position.
Then there are the usual problems with utility lines and poles. It is expensive to move those poles and Meralco is not about to bear the cost. But DPWH insists it doesn’t have the funds too. Unless someone with authority fixes this problem, nothing much will move.
I recall that Ramon Ang told us the project would be delivered by the end of next year. It looks like first quarter 2020 is the more hopeful date.
One good news I heard is that the entire Luzon railway line from north to south will now be Japanese funded. The Chinese were supposed to take care of the line from Manila to Bicol.
Having just the Japanese take care of the entire system makes it simpler to operate. There will be just one point of responsibility specially for maintenance of tracks and rolling stock. I hope this information is correct.
Of course, having more trains run on MRT 3 will be a big help in convincing people with cars to take mass transport. If those Dalian trains can be used, why aren’t they using more of those trains?
If the President thinks he doesn’t need emergency powers because he has enough powers to fix our traffic mess, how come nothing much has happened yet?
https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/12/07/1874768/traffic-concerns
I checked with Sen. Grace Poe on the status of the same measure in the Senate. She said their version is totally different and is in a period of interpellation.
Sen. Grace said their problem from the start was the failure of DOTr to provide a list of specific projects and plans. The senators do not want to give Sec Tugade blanket authority to procure without bidding. She also described as weird the proposal of Sec. Tugade to put cable cars on EDSA.
During interpellation in September last year, Sen. Ralph Recto said emergency powers may not be the solution to the traffic problem. Sen. Recto thinks the problem is more systemic or organizational… government’s lack of planning and lack of technical capability to implement.
Sen. Grace said she also asked President Duterte if he personally thought he needed the emergency powers. The President, Sen. Grace said, told her he doesn’t care because he can implement measures needed without emergency powers.
Senator Grace said the senators agreed with the President’s view. She also said they don’t want to give Sec Tugade blanket powers to implement projects without proper consultation like what happened with PITX.
Assuming Congress finally crafts an emergency powers bill acceptable to all, will it make a difference now?
Before the Duterte administration took office, I was part of a group that met with the then designated transport secretary to figure out what can be done to give the public some relief. We agreed that some amount of emergency powers is necessary to get the bureaucracy moving with one purpose in mind.
To Secretary Art Tugade’s credit, he did try to get some things going even without emergency power to show a difference in traffic flow, particularly in EDSA. But politics and turf protection proved too strong.
In one meeting, we found out that the MMDA and the PNP Highway Patrol Group don’t even share the same radio frequency. How can they coordinate? We also needed to get other agencies involved to move as one. The IACT or Inter Agency Committee on Traffic was organized. That’s where we are today.
Given the political resistance, the idea of passing the emergency powers bill was practically abandoned. I imagine Sec Tugade didn’t mind because it removed one big problem off his plate. But with the passage of the House bill, traffic is now Tugade’s responsibility again.
Under HB 6425, the DOTr secretary, as “alter ego” of the President, would have emergency powers for three years as traffic chief. He will have jurisdiction over the traffic in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Davao City.
The transport secretary has the power to harmonize and enforce all traffic rules and regulations, implement a unified traffic system throughout each metropolitan area, and carry out priority projects which would have an ”immediate, significant, and measurable impact” on the traffic crisis. That sounds like too much bluster and promise that will deliver nothing much.
For now, we can only hope that the new MMDA chief traffic enforcer in EDSA, said to be a tough disciplinarian, will be able to produce palpable results. After all, a
UP traffic expert did say a few days ago that simple compliance to loading and unloading zones will show a marked improvement in traffic flow.
However, the stark reality of inadequate infrastructure and an ever rising number of vehicles on the road are the biggest problems. I doubt if the emergency traffic powers in the proposed law will let Secretary Tugade have what it takes to fasttrack infra projects to address the problem.
Indeed, Sen. Recto already pointed out that key to alleviating the traffic problems are three major road projects that must be completed: NLEX-SLEX connector road (MPIC); Road connecting to the port (MPIC); and NLEX-SLEX Skyway (San Miguel).
The Harbor road connected to NLEX had been completed. But the two NLEX-SLEX road and skyway projects are ongoing and delayed.
San Miguel’s NLEX-SLEX Skyway is supposed to take out as much as 50 percent of traffic from EDSA. It has been much delayed due to right of way problems.
I just checked and it seems the ROW problems aren’t over. Additionally, there are buildings along the route that prevents the rotation of the big concrete support slabs to their proper position.
Then there are the usual problems with utility lines and poles. It is expensive to move those poles and Meralco is not about to bear the cost. But DPWH insists it doesn’t have the funds too. Unless someone with authority fixes this problem, nothing much will move.
I recall that Ramon Ang told us the project would be delivered by the end of next year. It looks like first quarter 2020 is the more hopeful date.
One good news I heard is that the entire Luzon railway line from north to south will now be Japanese funded. The Chinese were supposed to take care of the line from Manila to Bicol.
Having just the Japanese take care of the entire system makes it simpler to operate. There will be just one point of responsibility specially for maintenance of tracks and rolling stock. I hope this information is correct.
Of course, having more trains run on MRT 3 will be a big help in convincing people with cars to take mass transport. If those Dalian trains can be used, why aren’t they using more of those trains?
If the President thinks he doesn’t need emergency powers because he has enough powers to fix our traffic mess, how come nothing much has happened yet?
https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/12/07/1874768/traffic-concerns
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Platform screen doors likely at new underground Metro stations
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is thinking of installing platform screen doors (PSDs) at Metro stations along upcoming underground sections.
PSDs act as barriers between the platform and the tracks and help prevent untoward incidents.
Metro rail corporations in Delhi and Chennai have already installed PSDs, which also keep platforms cooler by preventing the air generated by ACs from flowing into tunnels.
Installed in sync with Metro coach doors, PSDs open only after the train stops. Unlike other Metros in the country, Namma Metro has not recorded any untoward incident, except one in 2012 when a 17-year-old boy threw himself on the track at the MG Road station. Metro systems in foreign cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Paris too have PSDs.
BMRCL sources said they are now thinking of installing PSDs at underground stations in Phase 2 as well as crowded stations like Kempegowda (Majestic).
The move comes in the wake of rising footfall and difficulties in managing crowds at stations. The ridership of Namma Metro has seen a steady rise, with footfall touching the 4-lakh mark in a single day. These PSDs could also generate revenue as the panels can have advertisements.
BMRCL spokesperson BL Yeshwanth Chavan said they are thinking of setting up PSDs at 12 underground stations in Phase 2. “These PSDs will help reduce air-conditioning costs at underground stations. However, we have not taken a decision on installing them in the existing ones as they are expensive.”
According to BMRCL, the 72km Phase 2 is likely to be completed by 2023.
Many passengers welcomed the proposal. “It’s high time these glass screens are introduced, at least in crowded stations like Byappanahalli and Kempegowda (Majestic). Security guards at Metro stations find it difficult to manage the swelling crowd, particularly during peak hours. PSDs can prevent accidents, especially when stations are extremely crowded. They will make commuters feel more secured,” said Arun Kumar, a Metro user.
However, a BMRCL source said they are mainly looking at installing PSDs at underground stations. “Compared to the underground ones, elevated stations have enough space to handle crowds. Also, the elevated stations have no air-conditioning,” an official added.
PSDs act as barriers between the platform and the tracks and help prevent untoward incidents.
Metro rail corporations in Delhi and Chennai have already installed PSDs, which also keep platforms cooler by preventing the air generated by ACs from flowing into tunnels.
Installed in sync with Metro coach doors, PSDs open only after the train stops. Unlike other Metros in the country, Namma Metro has not recorded any untoward incident, except one in 2012 when a 17-year-old boy threw himself on the track at the MG Road station. Metro systems in foreign cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Paris too have PSDs.
BMRCL sources said they are now thinking of installing PSDs at underground stations in Phase 2 as well as crowded stations like Kempegowda (Majestic).
The move comes in the wake of rising footfall and difficulties in managing crowds at stations. The ridership of Namma Metro has seen a steady rise, with footfall touching the 4-lakh mark in a single day. These PSDs could also generate revenue as the panels can have advertisements.
BMRCL spokesperson BL Yeshwanth Chavan said they are thinking of setting up PSDs at 12 underground stations in Phase 2. “These PSDs will help reduce air-conditioning costs at underground stations. However, we have not taken a decision on installing them in the existing ones as they are expensive.”
According to BMRCL, the 72km Phase 2 is likely to be completed by 2023.
Many passengers welcomed the proposal. “It’s high time these glass screens are introduced, at least in crowded stations like Byappanahalli and Kempegowda (Majestic). Security guards at Metro stations find it difficult to manage the swelling crowd, particularly during peak hours. PSDs can prevent accidents, especially when stations are extremely crowded. They will make commuters feel more secured,” said Arun Kumar, a Metro user.
However, a BMRCL source said they are mainly looking at installing PSDs at underground stations. “Compared to the underground ones, elevated stations have enough space to handle crowds. Also, the elevated stations have no air-conditioning,” an official added.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)