We recently told you that San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) is good to go after finally receiving approval from the Government. Not to waste any time, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and the government broke ground on the Pasig River Expressway project on Friday. PAREX will serve as the country’s first hybrid and green roadway, with the inclusion of bike lanes, walkways, and a rapid bus transit system.

SMC President Ramon Ang said, “It will have dedicated bike lanes, walkways, a bus rapid transit system, among others. PAREX will also be for pedestrians and cyclists. It will not just be for motorized transportation and convenience, but also for maintaining our health and well-being. It will not just ‘beautify’ the surroundings—it will rehabilitate the Pasig River and inspire urban renewal in Metro Manila.” 

With the inclusion of bike lanes, walkways, and bus rapid transit system among others, PAREX will not only serve private car owners but also public commuters, pedestrians, and cyclists. This is what makes PAREX a green and hybrid roadway. This project will also lower the number of harmful emissions released into the air when vehicles are stuck for hours in heavy traffic.

“Just imagine the amount of vehicle pollution we will avoid if trips that usually take two-to-three hours—including long stretches where cars are just idling in traffic—will take only 30 minutes. Also, with a BRT system, many vehicle owners will no longer find the need to drive their own cars, further lessening pollution,” Ang said.

“We can anticipate a future where perhaps many vehicles are electric. But regardless of what vehicles run on, expressways can adapt and serve their purpose of decongesting traffic, and making private and public transport more efficient. Combined with other ongoing road and rail projects, PAREX will enable us to keep up with the demands of economic development, population growth and the need to protect the environment,” he further added.