Quote:
Originally Posted by JerellO
Manila should really push for an expansive train system like Tokyo
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Indeed! Alas, the Philippines is a developing country that has a long history of corrupt leadership and dismal economic growth. It was not too long ago when the Philippines was called the 'sick man of Asia.'
Thankfully, starting around 10 years ago, the economy has been on the rise due to increasing remittances from overseas Filipino workers, multinational business process outsourcing companies setting satellite offices, rising tourism sector, and robust consumer spending. Add to this the credit ratings upgrades, and the government can finally afford now to spend on some long overdue infrastructure projects, especially those around metropolitan Manila.
The Duterte administration may not have such a good reputation in the West, but to its credit, it has made infrastructure a huge priority, with a long list of infrastructure projects line up to be started and/or finished before President Duterte's term expires in 2022.
For a metro its size (~20 million population), there are only 3 metro lines (LRT 1, LRT 2, MRT 3) and a crumbling suburban commuter line; although a major extension of LRT 2 towards the eastern parts of the metro is going to finish in a year or two.
If you have time, here's an update of LRT 2 Extension:
• Video Link
Here is a shocking look at how inadequate the public transport systems are around the metro.