The goal of urban development, through ease of mobility, seamless travel, and traffic decongestion is set to further advance in Metro Manila as Department of Transportation (DOTr) Sec. Arthur Tugade and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the Integrated Pasay Monorail and EDSA-Tramo Flyover Extension Project.
The monorail project is designed to ease vehicle traffic and result in the much more comfortable, efficient, and safe movement of commuters, Tugade said during the signing ceremony on Wednesday (Sept. 22).
The MOA signing, which is a crucial part of the project’s commencement, followed after the previous joint presentation of the components and timetable of the project to the DOTr by the Pasay local government unit (LGU) and SM Prime Holdings on Sept. 7.
“Nakita ko na ang isang hangarin dito – palawigin ‘yung trapiko, alisin ‘yung congestion, at gawing kaaya-aya ang pagbiyahe dito sa lugar ng Pasay, lalo’t higit kung dadaan ka sa mga chokepoints — chokepoint ng Taft at chokepoint ng Diokno Boulevard. Kaya nandirito ako to give my full endorsement,” Tugade said.
He added that he supports the immediate construction of the monorail, and said that the signing of the MOA between the DOTr and the Pasay LGU strengthens the collective and holistic approach to providing the riding public with a more convenient and comfortable form of travel.
“Sana po kung gaano kabilis pinirmahan ang MOA between Pasay and DOTr, sana po ganoon din kabilis mapirmahan ‘yung unsolicited proposal ng SM, para nang sa ganoon, maging mabilis din ang pag-usad at pagtulak ng proyektong ito ‘pagkat kailangan ‘o ng Pasay, kailangan ng sambayanan,” he added.
For her part, Rubiano said: “Two weeks ago, we had our meeting. I mentioned that with Secretary Tugade, walang problema. I am a living witness na siya ay aksyon agad. Kaya nandito na tayo ngayon to show that you are for progress, you share my commitment and vision to create an environmentally-sustainable solution to reduce congestion, pollution, and traffic conditions in the city.”
According to the MOA, employees, workers, and mallgoers can easily access the Bay Area, Pasay City’s central business district, via the monorail. Once operational, the Pasay Monoraill will be integrated and interoperable with other transportation systems, including Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1), Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3), EDSA Busway, and EDSA Greenways. (DOTr) – jlo
