LRTA, MIAA eye linking airports to a rail system
The Manila Times - August 07, 2006
By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter
STATE-OWNED Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is mulling the establishment of a rail system linking major airports in Metro Manila for faster travel and to ease traffic congestion.
Mel Robles, LRTA general manager, told reporters that LRTA and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) are completing the project concept.
“It is very feasible, and in fact, based on our plan it could connect all our airports—the Ninoy Aquino International Airport [NAIA] Terminals 1, 2 and even Terminal 3,” he said.
After completing the project concept, proponents could proceed with a prefeasibility study, he said. “What is good is that in the concept stage, it looks very encouraging. You could even use only a single track.”
The project could cost about $60 million, excluding the NAIA Terminal 3 connection. Without the third terminal node, the project would cost $60 million.
The NAIA 3 will require an underground tunnel, Robles said, adding that the proponents have sought foreign assistance for the conceptua*lization phase.
As for the potential builder, the LRTA official said it could involve “either [the] private sector, the MIAA or the LRTA.”
“At this time what is important [is that] there is a desire, you have the concept, then you move to prefeasibility, feasibility, and then you go to the commercial [phase],” he said, adding that no timetable has been set for the project.
He added that the new rail system may be operated by the LRTA or a private operator. If completed, travel time from Monumento to the airport could only take about 30 to 45 minutes.
