Manila-Clark Corridor, Philippines
Prioritizing Public Transport to Improve Public Health
60K tons of CO₂ EMISSIONS REDUCED per year
Inhabitants
Angeles: 411,634 Mabalacat: 250,799 San Fernando: 306,659 Malolos: 252,074
GDP per capita
Angeles: $2,654* Mabalacat: $2,654* San Fernando: $2,654* Malolos: $2,654*
Geographic area
Angeles: 60 km² Mabalacat: 83 km² San Fernando: 68 km² Malolos: 67 km² *regional data
THE CHALLENGE Commuter railways operate only in Metro Manila and the Laguna province with no northbound railway linking the capital region with Central Luzon, leading to congestion and air pollution.
Co-benefits
In an effort to reduce private vehicle dependence and pave the way for reduced transport sector emissions, the Philippines is investing in new rail lines surrounding the capital. The Malolos-Clark Railway project supports the construction of 53 km North segment of the North-South Commuter Railway project. The line runs from Malolos to Clark International Airport. The government is developing Clark and New Clark City as a regional growth center. New Clark City will accommodate 1.2 million residents and 800,000 jobs by 2045, and will become an administrative center and education hub for the country. The new railway line will not only reduce the reliance on private vehicles for commuters heading into Manila, but will also boost the economic opportunities for areas outside the capital city. Once complete in 2024, the new railway is expected to cut the travel time between Clark and Manila down to 1 hour from the 3 hours it can take by bus. It will also be designed with the risk of flooding and other natural hazards in mind. The elevated alignment on viaducts will protect the line from inundation and increase safety by preventing collisions between cars and trains. Slope stabilization will also help to prevent landslides, and vegetation strategies can protect soil from severe erosion. The new railway is the single largest project financing of ADB in the Philippines and Asia. ADB provided a loan of $2.75 billion with cofinancing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) of $2.01 billion.
Health The new railway will provide more environment-friendly transportation options, improving air quality for residents and reducing adverse health conditions.
Social All stations will have features to provide universal access for the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.
Economic It is believed that the construction activities will create 23,900 jobs, and the operation of the railways will provide further employment opportunities for more than 1,400 people.
Railway for sustainability. The railway will spur economic development in the corridor and direct investments in Clark (photo by Department of Transportation, Republic of the Philippines, JICA, and the JICA Design Team).
URBAN TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY 57
