Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that the country's rail transit systems emit at least 50 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to private vehicles, highlighting the environmental advantages of transitioning to public transportation.
According to Philippines News Agency, Acting Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez emphasized the DOTr's commitment to sustainability in existing rail lines. Lopez stated, "The President's directive is to make our transportation sustainable. That is why at the DOTr, we are pushing for what we call commuter-centric transport like trains where more people can ride. If more people ride trains instead of private vehicles, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions on the road."
Data from National Rail UK's Greener Travel indicates that car travel produces 167 grams of CO2 per kilometer, significantly higher than the 35 grams per passenger per kilometer for rail. Even with an average of two passengers per private vehicle, car travel still emits around 83.5 grams of CO2 per passenger per kilometer, more than double the emissions from rail travel.
Using private car travel as a baseline, current train lines such as the MRT-3, LRT-1, LRT-2, and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) collectively contribute to a net reduction of 74,781 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equaling an average reduction of 50 percent. The forthcoming North-South Commuter Railway is anticipated to cut CO2 emissions by over 150,000 tons annually, more than doubling the reductions from the four existing train lines.
The MRT-7, which is expected to open in the second quarter of 2027, is projected to achieve a net reduction of approximately 58 percent, or over 60,000 tons. The Metro Manila Subway Project is similarly expected to lower CO2 emissions by up to 63 percent, equivalent to more than 70,000 tons annually.
Aside from the environmental benefits, the shift to rail also tackles the economic cost of congestion. The country reportedly loses an estimated PHP3.5 billion daily due to traffic, based on a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JICA further warned that this figure could rise to as much as PHP5.4 billion per day by 2035 if no government interventions are implemented.
In a related move, the Light Rail Transit Authority will offer free rides on the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) for all government employees on Sept. 16 to celebrate the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. The DOTr-MRT-3 will also provide free rides for civil servants on the same day. State workers need only present a valid government ID to enjoy free rides throughout the day.
