The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is accelerating the development of major transport infrastructure projects and prioritizing high-capacity mass transit systems to ease commuting and enhance productivity, according to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
“To make commuting more convenient and comfortable, we are building infrastructure that’s centered on the needs of commuters,” Dizon said in an interview. “We’re also encouraging car owners to shift to public transport.”
Among the DOTr’s flagship projects are the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), the MRT-7, and the modernization of the EDSA Busway. These initiatives aim to reduce traffic congestion and improve urban mobility across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
“Instead of building more and wider roads, the real solution lies in investing in high-capacity public transport and infrastructure that supports walking and cycling,” Dizon emphasized.
Once operational, the Metro Manila Subway and the Manila–Pampanga commuter rail will significantly reduce travel time. Commuting between Pampanga or Bulacan and Metro Manila, which currently takes up to four hours, will be cut down to just 30 minutes to one hour.
“This is a game-changer,” Dizon said. “It means more time with family, increased productivity, and substantial savings for millions of Filipinos. That’s why we’re pushing to get these projects done as quickly as possible.
