NIGHT OWL
Every time I found myself traveling in London, I made it a point to ride and study its intricate public transportation network. From the sleek and efficient Underground to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) with its driverless trains, each journey was an opportunity to marvel at how advanced public transportation systems in more developed economies have become. London’s public transport is not only a testament to innovation but also a demonstration of how strategic investment can transform mobility and drive economic progress.
Take the DLR, for example—driverless trains that have been operational since the late 1980s, predating today’s autonomous vehicles by decades. Riding on these automated trains feels like a glimpse into the future, yet in London, it’s simply part of daily life. Stations like King’s Cross St. Pancras, which in 2023 was the busiest on the London Underground with over 72.14 million passengers entering and exiting, highlight the importance of efficient and high-capacity systems in urban centers. St. Pancras International alone processes up to 2,000 international passengers per hour, with planned upgrades aiming to boost that figure to 3,600. This kind of forward-thinking infrastructure planning is a model for any country looking to revolutionize its transportation.
In contrast, the Philippines, particularly in Greater Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, has struggled with limited and often inefficient transport options. Reviving railway systems in these regions is not just a dream but a necessity. Railways are inherently more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective than road-based transport, and they offer an opportunity to reshape how Filipinos connect across regions.
The lessons from London underscore the need for robust planning, strategic investments, and future-proof designs. A modern railway network in the Philippines could boost economic growth by reducing transportation costs for goods and passengers, much like how rail systems in Europe support seamless trade and mobility. Agricultural products from Mindanao, for instance, could reach major cities in Luzon and Visayas more quickly and affordably, reducing waste and benefiting both farmers and consumers.
Moreover, advanced railways could alleviate congestion in urban areas like Metro Manila. Imagine a system where residents of Bulacan, Pampanga, or Batangas could commute swiftly via trains rather than enduring hours-long traffic on highways. For Visayas and Mindanao, intercity railways could offer an alternative to expensive flights or slow ferry services, making travel more accessible to all.
What struck me most about London’s public transport system was not just its scale but its inclusivity. Stations like St. Pancras are designed for accessibility, with features like elevators, tactile paving for visually impaired passengers, and seamless integration with other modes of transport. The Philippines must aim for this same level of inclusivity in its railway revival, ensuring that trains cater to persons with disabilities, the elderly, and families.
If London’s transport can evolve from horse-drawn trams to driverless trains over decades of careful planning and investment, there’s no reason why the Philippines can’t follow suit. Reviving railways in Greater Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao isn’t just a matter of catching up with developed economies—it’s about giving Filipinos a transportation system that they deserve. A modern railway network could redefine how we move, live, and connect, bringing us closer to a future where no one is left behind.