Public transportation is a critical factor in the Philippine real estate economy, connecting the islands’ population and economic hubs. The Philippines’ public transportation system is composed of road, water, air, and train modes of transport. While water transport is critical given the country’s archipelagic nature, road transport is the most prominent subsector. The distribution accounts for 98 percent of passenger traffic and 58 percent of freight traffic. With the growth of demand and a lack of regulation in the Philippines’ public transportation system, it has become more complex and costly to ride buses, trains, tricycles, and even hired motorcycles. Does the rest of Asia, particularly the ten ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries, encounter similar challenges? And should we spend more than we can afford?
Singapore: Incorporating Transportation Planning With Smart Technologies
Singapore has one of the lowest congestion rates globally for a city of its size, owing to its award-winning Intelligent Transport System, which incorporates various “smart” transportation technologies. Among these technologies are Electronic Road Pricing Systems (among the first of their kind), GPS-enabled taxis equipped with real-time traffic information, and a highly integrated public transportation system comprised of above-ground and underground train systems, as well as an efficient bus network.
Apart from technology, Singapore also uses state-wide policies to manage transportation supply and demand, optimize existing sustainable systems, and reduce reliance on more environmentally damaging modes of transport such as private cars. These unique strategies include, but are not limited to, the electronic road pricing scheme, a high vehicle tax structure, and a vehicle quota system.
Malaysia: Establishing Walkability
Malaysia has a limited number of public transportation options, with transit buses and railways being the most often used. According to a 2018 World Bank survey, all randomly selected public housing units are within a 15- to 30-minute walking distance of bus stops, railway stations, or both. More precisely, they are all within a 15-minute walk of public bus services; 17 are within a 15-minute walk of a Light Rail Transit (LRT), Malaysian Railway (KTM), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), or Monorail station; 8 are within a 30-minute walk of these train lines, and five are within a 15-minute walk of a bus stop.
In conclusion, this survey demonstrates that urban low-income citizens, at least in the country’s capital Kuala Lumpur, benefit significantly from the country’s public transportation network, owing to the proximity of public buses and train lines to public housing areas. The Philippines may learn from this, as many of its train lines are typically positioned within gated enclaves and massive military bases, far from the main working class, which relies on public transportation.
Indonesia: Recognizing The Role Of Public Transportation For Economic Development
Compared to Southeast Asian benchmarks, Indonesia’s history as a Dutch colonial settlement has resulted in a highly developed railway system. Its vast national railway network enables passengers to reach Indonesia’s farthest areas and connect them to Bali, Jakarta, Java, and Surabaya.
As of December 2020, Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail (HSR), the region’s first type, had been finished 63.9 percent due to the coronavirus epidemic. Once completed, the project will spur growth in various industries, including electronics, infrastructure, logistics, manufacturing, power production, real estate, and services. Taken collectively, this could result in a more balanced growth of urban and rural communities along its route.
Thailand: Exploring Accessibility In Public Transportation
Due to Thailand’s small size and tremendous road congestion, the inhabitants rely on two mass rapid transit systems: the MRT Subway and the BTS Skytrain. Despite their widespread availability, these means of travel might pose dangers to vulnerable groups such as women, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly.
Data predicts that Thailand’s elderly population will reach 25.2 million by 2030. As the country transitions to an aging society and the government invest a significant portion of its budget in railway expansion, these jointly provide an essential chance to examine the country’s railway design standards and determine whether they match the accessibility requirements of its users.
Vietnam: Linking Tourism And Mobility
As with Indonesia, Vietnam was colonized (most notably by the French) over a century ago, making its train system appealing to domestic passengers and international travelers.
According to Indochina tour operator Viet Vision Travel, traveling by train is one of the most excellent methods to enjoy Vietnam’s most breathtaking sights and surrounding terrain. Vietnam’s enormous railway system stretches 2,600 kilometers and connects practically all towns and provinces. The trajectory’s location is strategically along with several internationally renowned tourist spots. This position enables its train system to serve as a means of transport between destinations and increasing awareness of its tourism attractions.
Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam, And Laos: Appreciating Their Rooms For Improvement
In the case of the Philippines, the country’s archipelagic geography restricts transport to and within the country to air and sea. Only Manila has a train system consisting of four operational train lines, namely LRT 1, LRT 2, MRT 3, and the Philippine National Railways (PNR). However, these railway lines are deemed insufficient to service Metro Manila’s enormous daytime population of 12 million people, particularly in light of frequent train breakdowns and a shortage of train coaches.
Cambodia, which follows the Philippines, has a mainly underdeveloped train system. Fortunately, the country resumed railroad operations in 2016, with another line scheduled to open in 2017. Meanwhile, Phnom Penh, the capital, compensates with a well-organized bus system.
Myanmar, like Cambodia, has an extensive national railway system that runs from Yangon through Mandalay City and south to Dawei City. While its capital city of Naypyidaw only has one station, other lines run east and west.
Brunei Darussalam, a small country, is still developing possible system designs in terms of automobile dependency. Its car dependency problem is due mainly to the lack of a train system, shortage of bus lines, and unorganized taxi operations. These factors force locals to acquire personal vehicles.
However, Laos currently lacks a railway system except for expanding Thailand’s northeastern line from Nong Khai to Vientiane City. Vientiane’s bus system is likewise less coordinated and comprehensive, which is why “tuk-tuks” or three-wheeled motorized vehicles are popular alternatives.
Encompassing Study On Philippines’ Future Public Transportation
It is commendable that most ASEAN countries are doing well or are finding ways to improve their railway systems on an individual basis. However, all ten countries should prioritize their public transportation systems simultaneously with their infrastructure networks and socioeconomic policies so that their citizens can collectively enjoy a hassle-free trip throughout Southeast Asia.
