Is Philippines Traffic the WORST in Southeast Asia?

Welcome to OHA News Asia! In this episode, we dive deep into one of the Philippines’ most pressing urban challenges—traffic congestion. Ranked among the most congested cities globally, Metro Manila faces daily gridlock that costs billions in economic losses, while the quality of life and air quality suffer as a result. But could the Philippines look to its Southeast Asian neighbors for possible solutions? Join us as we explore the steps being taken under the "Build, Build, Build" and "Build Better More" programs, from new expressways and rail networks to modernized public transit and smart traffic solutions.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

The Scale of the Traffic Crisis: Understand the real impact of traffic congestion on the economy, environment, and daily life in Metro Manila, where an estimated ₱3.5 billion is lost each day.

Past and Present Initiatives: Discover how the “Build, Build, Build” program under the previous administration introduced large-scale infrastructure projects like Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 and the BGC-Ortigas Link, and how the current “Build Better More” program continues these efforts with new projects under the Marcos administration.

New Infrastructure Projects: Dive into current and upcoming projects, including the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway, and the Luzon Spine Expressway Network. These projects aim to connect provinces across Luzon and alleviate pressure on congested roads.
Traffic Management Policies: Learn about the EDSA Busway and other policy solutions like the number coding scheme, counterflow lanes, and lessons from Singapore’s ERP (Electronic Road Pricing).

Innovative Public Transit Solutions: See how other Southeast Asian cities are tackling similar challenges through Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, such as Jakarta’s TransJakarta and Vietnam’s new metro lines, and how the Philippines plans to implement similar systems in Cebu and Davao.
Future Technologies for Traffic Management: From adaptive traffic lights to AI-based route management, discover the technologies that can help Metro Manila manage congestion and optimize road usage.

Sustainable Urban Planning: Explore the possibilities for decentralizing Metro Manila’s economic hubs, encouraging green transport solutions like bike lanes and electric buses, and promoting sustainable urban planning for a greener, more connected future.
What Can the Philippines Learn?

While there is no quick fix, countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam offer practical lessons that could help the Philippines develop a more integrated and efficient transportation network. By leveraging policy reforms, sustainable planning, and technology, the Philippines has the potential to create a brighter, more mobile future for its citizens.

Disclaimer:
This video is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information provided does not constitute professional advice for the Philippine government, LGUs, or the MMDA. OHA News Asia is not affiliated with any government body, and the perspectives presented are for general understanding only.

Join the Conversation!
What do you think of the Philippines' approach to managing its traffic crisis? How can Southeast Asian cities support each other in solving these urban issues? Let us know in the comments below!

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to OHA News Asia for more content on Southeast Asian issues, trends, and solutions!

Hashtags:
#PhilippinesTraffic #ManilaCongestion #OHAnews #SoutheastAsia #MetroManila #BuildBuildBuild #BuildBetterMore #ManilaSubway #PhilippinesInfrastructure #UrbanTrafficSolutions #ManilaTraffic #PhilippineEconomy #MetroManilaTraffic #BRTSystem #PublicTransport #PhilippinesPolicies #SmartTraffic #SustainableCities #UrbanGridlock #RoadToProgress

Tags:
Philippines traffic, Manila traffic, Philippine economy, Metro Manila, urban congestion, traffic solutions, public transportation, Southeast Asia, traffic crisis, Build Build Build, Build Better More, North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway, Luzon Spine Expressway, EDSA Busway, Philippine policies, smart technology, urban planning, bike lanes, electric buses, AI traffic management, OHA News Asia, Southeast Asian news, BRT system, environmental impact, sustainable development, road expansion, traffic management, economic impact

[franklinredona]

Yes if all the transportation line will be finished the NSCR, MRT7, MRT4, LRT west extension to manila port. LRT cavite extention and the mega manila subway.

[Jazzie_Fizzle]

100% HELL YES and it will never improve because gov't officials want it to stay that way.