Traffic builds along the Buendia exit of the Skyway Stage 3 in Makati City on July 12, 2021. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA - Elevated tollways will only bring temporary relief from traffic and are unlikely to solve congestion in Metro Manila's roads, a major Philippine business group said on Friday.  

"Having elevated toll roads is a quick fix that may offer traffic relief, albeit short term, as they ultimately fail to address the underlying issues of sustainability, equity, and environmental impact," the Management Association of the Philippines said. 

MAP issued the statement following reports that the country's two biggest tollway operators--Metro Pacific Investments Corp and San Miguel Corp--are mulling building elevated tollways on C5 and EDSA.  

SMC President and CEO Ramon Ang proposed an elevated expressway on Edsa years ago.

MAP however said that the "induced demand phenomenon" has shown that adding more road space will only attract more cars that will later cause more traffic congestion.

"The status quo ante will prevail in no time," the business group added. 

Mass transit systems are more viable solutions to the problem of transportation and traffic congestion, the group said. 

"A well-designed mass transit network, including efficient bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, light rail transit (LRT), and metro systems can significantly move more people and reduce congestion by drastically reducing private car usage, while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality."

The construction of elevated tollways will also cause more traffic on the roads where these structures will be built, which will impact the economy and the environment.

"Additionally, an elevated toll road will permanently preclude the transformation of EDSA from an ugly concrete corridor to a pleasant tree-lined avenue where clean energy mass transit is the primary means to move people, not traffic-congesting private vehicles; where sidewalks can be widened for landscaping for much-needed softening of the urban landscape that would invite and enhance non-motorized mobility," MAP said.

Mass transit systems also promote walkable neighborhoods, reduce urban sprawl and preserve green spaces, the group added.