NAIA needs better transportation options

WITH San Miguel Corp. (SMC) soon taking over the reins of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), I am hoping that its plans include measures for easing motor vehicle traffic on roads leading to the country's most important international gateway. Social media is full of horror stories of missed flights and of hour-long traffic just to exit the NAIA airport compound. This is not the first impression of the country that we would like to offer any visitor.

The solution does not lie in building more parking garages or in widening the elevated expressway leading to the airport. Such measures only attract further car use and exacerbate the already severe traffic around NAIA. The durable solution is to offer efficient, affordable and reliable transportation options so that people will not depend on a private motor vehicle to get to the airport. While the Metro Manila Subway, which is under construction, will include a service to NAIA, it may still take six to eight years before it is operational. Earlier relief is required. Below are a few recommendations.