Source: Manila Times, Thursday, 24 July 2003
The names of various railway systems in Metro Manila are now changed into color-names to avoid confusions, in line with the launching of the Strong Republic Transit System or SRTS.
Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza, announced that the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will promote to the public the color based identification of railway lines in the metropolis, for the people to better understand the integration of the systems.
Mendoza said that the Aurora and Magsaysay Blvd. line or LRT 2 is now the Purple Line; the EDSA MRT line is the Blue line; the Rizal and Taft Avenues line or LRT is Yellow line; the Philippine National Railways (PNR) NorthRail is the Green Line and the PNR SouthRail is the orange Line.
He added that the SRTS will offer to the commuting public enclosed walkways, some with escalators and elevators, to make their train or bus/jeepney transfers safe and comfortable.
Meanwhile, Secretary Marita Jimenez for Priority Programs and Official Development Assistance (ODA) Projects explained that the SRTS is a reliable integrated mass transit system that approximates other international rail systems. It is the physical integration of the different railway lines, through the construction of seven links or interconnection facilities.
"We are also working now on the integration of the ticketing systems of existing and future railway lines, to come up with a single ticket that can be used as fares to all existing train lines," Jimenez added.
DOTC under GMA
In her State of the Nation Address last year, President Arroyo cited the need for a strong republic where the government can effectively carry out its economic agenda and effectively reduce poverty. This means there should be institutions that are strong enough to ensure that the government is responsive to the needs of the people and sustain development.
Thus, in her 8-Point Action Agenda launched in November also last year, President Arroyo stressed the need for adequate infrastructure that promotes and support efficient delivery of basic services to the people.
In this regard, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) under leadership of Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza has been tasked to lead in the implementation of two important programs under the agenda. One is to reduce transport costs from Mindanao to Manila and thus make inter-island trade more competitive and vibrant. And two, is to decongest Metropolitan Manila to make it more viable, humane and attractive investors by way of more efficient mass transport system to carry passengers and goods.
As the President is set to deliver her third SONA, the DOTC which also celebrate its 24th anniversary in July 23 reports that substantial accomplishment have been made on the two programs. Moreover, strides were also noted in the telecommunications field, especially in strengthening the competitiveness of local communications firms in the global environment.
As of the yearend, the Department generated revenues estimated at P27.762 billion, 8.19 percent higher than last year's same period collection and exceeding the target by 1.5 percent. The biggest contributor is the LTO at P6.623 billion followed by the PPA at P5.003 billion, then by the MIAA at 4.679 billion.
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