Policy changes key for an effective PHL intermodal transport system

An international intermodal transport expert is urging the Philippines to make some policy changes to come up with an effective intermodal transport system.

The expert said that while some of the changes involve strong political issues, it is a tough pill to swallow if the country would like to become one of the top players in the global transport industry.

In an interview at the sidelines of the 2010 Intermodal and Global Supply Chain Business Conference recently, resource person Dr. Patrick Sherry said the country is on a great start in its intermodal transport system with the introduction of the country’s Ro-Ro system through the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.

“The Philippines is really well ahead of its counterparts in terms of intermodal transport concepts,” Sherry said.

“However, Philippines should consider adopting several changes in its policies starting from decongesting its ports and free up major highways from traffic,” Sherry explained.

“In a country like the Philippines, decongesting traffic requires strong political will but we are hoping that its leaders will make the proper decision,” Sherry added.

Among the recommendations made by Sherry, on the other hand, include reducing the number of trucks coming in and out of the ports by providing a railway system explaining that utilizing rails will greatly reduce port congestion resulting to more movement in both import and export cargoes from Philippine-based industries.

Sherry also recommended the reduction of the number of buses and jeepneys in the country instead of just coming out of a system such as the number-coding scheme explaining that their huge numbers are one of the main culprits in road congestion in the Philippines that slowdown the movement of goods and a deterrent to investments.

Among the ports that needed rails to carry cargoes, on the other hand, are the Manila International Container Terminal, South Harbor and Batangas Port in Luzon as well as the major ports in the Visayas and Mindanao such as Cebu, Davao, General Santos, among others.

According to estimates, the country needs approximately $500 million to put this infrastructure in place.

As of the moment, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has recently completed its intermodal transport plan that is being set for application.

The intermodal transport plan is part of the multi-year transportation master plan being crafted by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the DOTC to be the basis of the country’s transportation priorities in the future.

It is also part a prelude to the integration of dedicated transport corridors from the 10-member Asean when it implements the Asean Economic Community starting 2012.

Among the priority areas where the project will be implemented include the identified airports, seaports and railways are under the super regions identified by the previous Arroyo that include the North Luzon Agri-Business Quadrangle, the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway Region, Central Philippines Region, and the Mindanao Region. ?