Aseana City banks on rail access to address Metro Manila gridlock

June 23, 2025
1:42PM PHT

With traffic congestion in Metro Manila worsening and rehabilitation plans underway for EDSA, one developer is demonstrating how master planning around mass transit can reshape how cities move.

D.M. Wenceslao and Associates Inc., the firm behind Aseana City, has long emphasized transit-oriented development (TOD). The district now directly connects to the newly opened LRT-1 Cavite Extension, via the Redemptorist-Aseana Station, giving workers, residents, and visitors direct access to five cities—Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, and Parañaque—without relying on gridlocked roads.

The newly opened Redemptorist Aseana Station./ Contributed photo

According to the latest TomTom Traffic Index, Metro Manila’s congestion level averages 41 percent, surging to over 120 percent in peak areas like Pasig, Makati, and Quezon City. The average commuter loses more than four days and seven hours each year in traffic, highlighting the need for systemic mobility solutions.

“At DMWAI, we believe cities should empower people to live better, not wear them down,” said Buds Wenceslao, chief executive officer. “That’s why we anchored Aseana City on rail access from the very beginning.”

Planned with connectivity in mind, Aseana City also features wide pedestrian paths, climate-protected walkways, and open spaces that link seamlessly to mixed-use zones. This integrated design supports a walkable lifestyle and reduces reliance on private cars.

Beyond current connectivity, Las Piñas and Cavite stations under the LRT-1 extension are expected to boost mobility further in the coming years, deepening Aseana City’s access to residential and business hubs in southern Metro Manila.

“Accessibility isn’t just about transportation—it’s about creating more time, less stress, and better quality of life,” Wenceslao added.

Redemptorist Aseana LRT Station./ Contributed photo

In a metro where traffic gridlock is often considered inevitable, Aseana City presents a rare example of how long-term planning and transport integration can create livable, productive urban spaces. 

As government agencies and developers seek to ease congestion and improve work-life balance, Aseana’s model may serve as a blueprint for future urban districts. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

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