Why the Pasig River Expressway should be rejected

THE Pasig River Expressway, also known as Parex, is a proposed 19.37-kilometer six-lane elevated expressway running the length of the Pasig River with an estimated cost of P81.5 billion. The project proponent is the San Miguel Corp. It is still under evaluation by the Tollways Regulatory Board. Here are nine reasons why the proposed project should be rejected.

1. Parex will worsen traffic congestion and climate change. Based on the phenomenon of "induced demand," the building of new urban roads to alleviate traffic will provide only temporary relief; Parex will lead to greater motor vehicle use and ultimately more congestion. Both sides of the Pasig River have densely populated urban neighborhoods that are already filled with motor vehicles during rush hour; Parex will channel more private motor vehicles into these neighborhoods, making them even more congested. With the climate crisis at alarming levels, it is not a time to be building more infrastructure to accommodate more motor vehicles.