$3-B bullet train proposed for Manila-Clark route

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — A $3-billion bullet train for the Manila-Clark route was proposed before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in a recent session.

The proposed transrapid Manila-Clark has a maximum speed of 500 to 550 kilometers per hour, with a travel time of 12 to 15 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the Diosdado Macapagal International Aiport (DMIA), said Hermann Fidler of Siemens Inc. Transportation Systems.

Fidler said the transrapid will connect the Clark Ecozone to Metro Manila, and is expected to boost development in Central Luzon. The bullet train has a capacity of up to 1,000 passengers.

The proposed bullet train will benefit investors and even the entire country.

Fidler said the Manila airport will be a showcase for comfortable passenger handling and the city terminals will also have easy access to Manila Railways Transit (MRT), Light Railways Transit (LRT) and the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

According to Fidler, passengers from the North can still check in at the existing terminal in DMIA.

He explained that there will be no violation of the agreement not to build any terminal within 300 kilometers of DMIA because only a transit building will be erected.

Meanwhile, investors could also benefit from it because riders are guaranteed and everyone who has to take flights would have to take the train.