Mobility advocates commend new DOTr priority for public transport
Commuters disembark from a bus taking part in Libreng Sakay. FILE PHOTO LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines—The Move As One Coalition commended Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon for sending a clear message that public transport deserves priority on public roads.
This, as Dizon said the busway on Edsa will remain operational even with the rehabilitation of the long and congested highway in Metro Manila, contradicting an earlier statement from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that the bus carousel would be closed.
“The coalition commends Sec. Dizon for his clear stance,” it pointed out on Tuesday, March 4, stressing that his statement reflects a “sound management of our road assets, delivering the greatest good for the greatest number.”
After all, 94 percent of Filipinos do not own a private car. They ride public transportation, walk, or pedal bicycles, said the coalition. “Filipinos of all ages and abilities have a right to safer, more humane, and more inclusive public transportation.”
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Article continues after this advertisementLast Tuesday, Lorie Malaluan, the director of DPWH-Metro Manila, announced that the busway on Edsa will be closed to allow “24/7” rehabilitation work, which is targeted for completion by 2026.
Article continues after this advertisementBut Dizon said its operation will continue, “but with some adjustment, depending on the location where the DPWH is working, explaining that the busway significantly lessens travel time for commuters.
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The Move As One Coalition pointed out that there are really obstacles to realizing the statement in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 that “pedestrians and cyclists will be accorded highest priority in the hierarchy of road users.”
But this can be achieved, it said, stressing that decision and policy makers should “focus on solving the real problem – how people get from point A to point B – instead of framing the problem as ‘traffic,’ cars stuck in congested streets, like Edsa.”
READ: Edsa busway privatization set in 2025 – DoTR
“The coalition is heartened that Sec. Dizon has correctly framed the problem as one of people mobility,” it said as it expressed optimism that with him in the lead, a lot more can be accomplished to move people “with safety and civility.”
