Philippines
Manila
UMR Index Rank
#65
(=)
Score: 29%
Sustainable Mobility
#60
(-4)
Score: 34.7%
Public Transit
#63
(+1)
Score: 31.4%
Technology Adoption
#65
Score: 12.3%
| Population | 14.9 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 1,911 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 7,819 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 8,615 |
UMR Index Rank
#65
(=)
Score: 29%
Sustainable Mobility
#60
(-4)
Score: 34.7%
Public Transit
#63
(+1)
Score: 31.4%
Technology Adoption
#65
Score: 12.3%
What Manila Does Well In Urban Mobility
Manila has a well-utilized and diverse public transportation system, which includes metro, bus, rail, ferries, and jeepneys. The Philippine capital is also investing in its metro with a new line connecting the Quezon neighborhood in the north to the Pasay neighborhood further south, near the international airport. The new line is expected to be fully operational by 2029, according to reports.
Manila’s investment in infrastructure as a percentage of GDP is higher than cities with a similar ranking in the index. The city has many mobility sector jobs. The federal government launched its Build Better More initiative in 2023, which includes investment for infrastructure such as the Cavite Extension project that will extend the light rail line across cities, including Manila. The initiative also includes budget for the North-South Commuter Railway Project, which will consist of 55 kilometers (34 miles) of suburban railway line and 18 stations between Manila and Calamba City, south of the capital.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Sustainable Mobility, Public Transit, and Technology Adoption scores
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
Challenges And Opportunities For Manila's Transportation System
Manila’s public transit stations are not close together and many residents have long commutes. In 2023, however, the city introduced a new generation of light rail trains, extending the network to accommodate more passengers and shorten travel times. The Metro Manila Subway Project will grow the number of stations from 13 today to 17 by 2029. Once complete, these works could reduce commute times. Road quality and connectivity in Manila is subpar. Poor-quality roads are common, hindered by potholes and unfinished or poorly conducted road repairs, which also impacts traffic fluidity. Rapid population growth with continuous outward expansion of the city, often without formal planning measures, further complicates both road quality and connectivity.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
How Manila Can Improve Its Urban Mobility Performance
With high fares relative to local incomes, Manila’s public transit is not very affordable for many residents. Fares for the new metro lines may be higher than originally proposed, according to reports. Manila can subsidize public transit or introduce specific fares for lower-income commuters. Another option is keeping fares flat for longer distances to improve affordability.
Like many of its index peers, Manila needs to improve its pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The city approved plans in 2020 to create 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of elevated walkways that would connect public transit stations along the heavily congested Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue. Manila can accelerate and increase investment in similar initiatives across the city. It also can build more cycling lanes, especially with buffers to ensure cyclists are separated from motorized traffic, accelerating on the countrywide plan to build 260 kilometers (162 miles) of dedicated cycling lanes in 2025 and have 2,400 kilometers (1,491 miles) of protected bike lanes by 2028. The city can invest more in bike-share programs to make cycling more accessible.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index relative ranking evolution (2020-2024)
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley