MM Inclusive Mobility Workshop Executive Summary

School of Government
Ateneo de Manila University
Quezon City, Philippines
Documentation Report
Metro Manila Inclusive Mobility Initiatives Mapping Workshop
October 17, 2013

with generous support from

17 October 2013

Table of Contents
Objectives of the Workshop ............................................................................................................. 2
THE WORKSHOP PROCESS ........................................................................................................... 3
National Anthem and Opening Prayer ........................................................................................... 3
Opening Remarks .......................................................................................................................... 3
Revisiting the First Workshop ....................................................................................................... 4
Introduction of Workshop Participants ......................................................................................... 5
Presentation: “Our Traffic Hell, An Exit Strategy” ......................................................................... 6
Workshops ................................................................................................................................... 7
Workshop 1: Identification of Opportunities and Challenges in mobility, safety, productivity, and civility
the roads of Metro Manila - Enablers or Barriers. ............................................................................ 7
Workshop 2: Identifying policies and actions being done by the government, the business and private
sector, and the citizens ............................................................................................................... 19
Workshop 3: Setting Priorities - Immediate, Short-term, and Long-term Plans for the government, the
private sector and the citizens.. ................................................................................................... 31
Synthesis...................................................................................................................................... 40
Way Forward .............................................................................................................................. 40
Closing ........................................................................................................................................ 40
Some Photos During the Workshop............................................................................................ 41
ANNEXES
1: Metro Manila Transport Initiatives Mapping Workshop Program
2: Workshop list of participants
3: Copy of the presentation: “Inclusive Mobility Workshop 2”
by Dr. Segundo Joaquin E. Romero
4.1: Copy of the presentation: “Our Traffic Hell, An Exit Strategy”
by Dr. Marie Danielle V. Guillen
4.2: Copy of the article “Our Traffic Hell, An Exit Strategy”

1

17 October 2013
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Inclusive Mobility Project is a project of the Ateneo School of Government supported by the
Rockefeller Foundation. Since 2011, it has developed a new platform for engaging various
communities, organizations, agencies, and individuals that serves as an integrator and awarenessraiser on critical but unheralded urban innovations in Metro Manila. The project has also established
a robust resource center on the web (http://inclusivemobility.net/) and has begun a mind shift from
the narrow view of the problem as “traffic” to a larger view of the problem as “mobility”, with
special emphasis on the accessibility of the poor and vulnerable to livelihood, work, public services,
and other activities and centers.
At present, the Metro Manila lacks a civil society organization that will look at the corresponding
issues related to the transportation sector such as, mobility and the related urban issues of different
sectors like the poor, women, children, elderly, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). This often
results in infrastructure and public transport service that are not very people-friendly. In response to
this, the Inclusive Mobility project is organizing a non-governmental counterpart consultative council
which will be a partner of government in discussing and implementing the multi-stakeholder mobility
plan for Metro Manila.

Objectives of the Workshop
The Metro Manila Transport Initiatives Mapping Workshop attempted to determine the initiatives in
relation to traffic, mobility and transportation that affect the way of life of the pedestrians,
commuters, PWDs, motorists, and other sectors and hoped that these will be addressed through a
collective discussion among these stakeholders. The workshop also aimed to identify possible
opportunities facing the transport sector in the metropolis.
At the end of the workshop, the desired output is an Inclusive Mobility Action Plan for presentation
to the MMDA Traffic and Transport Summit in November 2013. The desired outcome of the
workshop is an Inclusive Mobility Network of key transport stakeholders (users and service
providers, government, private sector, and civil society) organized to advocate and help implement
an inclusive mobility action plan.
The Metro Manila Initiatives Mapping Workshop was attended by total of 45 participants
representing cyclists, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), private entities, academe and urban planners,
and representatives from informal settlement communities.
Video Clip: “Don’t Drive Here
in Manila” (Episode 4,
Discovery Channel)
Simultaneous with the
registration
of
the
participants, a 45-minute
video entitled “Don’t Drive
Here in Manila” (Episode 4)
was shown to set the mood
for the actual workshop
discussions. The video
featured
Andrew
Younghusband, a Canadian
television
personality,
writer and journalist, best
“Don’t Drive Here in Manila” Episode 4, Discovery Channel screen capture

2

17 October 2013
known for his reality show, “Canada’s Worst Driver” which chronicled driving experiences in some
of the worst places to drive in the world, including Metro Manila. The video showed the chaotic
traffic and transport situation in Manila and the workshop participants affirmed and attested to the
reality of these situations.

THE WORKSHOP PROCESS
National Anthem and Opening Prayer
The program started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, led by the master of
ceremony, Mr. Lorenzo Cordova, Jr. (Research Associate, IBoP Asia Program). This was followed by
an opening prayer led by Ms. Dada Doble (Project Manager, Informal and Resilient Cities in Metro
Manila IRMM ).

Opening Remarks
The participants were formally welcomed by Dr.
Segundo Joaquin E. Romero (Director, iBoP Asia
Program). Dr. Romero first highlighted the importance
of this gathering by first discussing the definition of
Inclusive Mobility as follows:











A transport system that works for the poor
and the vulnerable
A walkable, bikeable and accessible city
Moving people, not vehicles
Mobility with safety and civility
Clean air, clean streets, clean vehicles and clean
facilities
Planning and communicating better and travel
less
Sharing information to increase connectivity
and accessibility
Dr. Romero giving his Opening Remarks
Making our neighborhood more accessible to
the rest of the city
Changing mindsets and behaviors – the authorities’ as well as ours
Mobility of all, for all, by all

Dr. Romero then reiterated that this consultation
workshop is the second part of the mapping and
consultation workshop held last September 12, 2013.
The first workshop attempted to determine the issues,
challenges, and initiatives in relation to traffic, mobility
and transportation that affect the way of life of the
motorists, pedestrians and other sectors. While this
consultation workshop basically have the same
objectives, Dr. Romero gave emphasis to the
relevance of creating an “inclusive mobility network”
that will serve as a ‘fact-finding body’ which will see to
it that the following tasks and responsibilities will be
Participants eagerly listening to Dr. Romero’s speech.
met:
 Participate in the creation of solutions to Metro Manila’s transport problems; and,

3

17 October 2013





To empower commuters/motorists/pedestrians and other stakeholders to have one voice
that will lobby and advocate the possible solutions to our current transport and traffic
problems at the same time communicate with the policy makers and law enforcers these
transport and traffic concerns.
By the end of the workshop, the group should be able to come up with recommendations
and plans for the MMDA’s Metro Manila Traffic, Transport and Mobility Summit which is
tentatively being scheduled by MMDA inb November; and
Come up with Inclusive Mobility Action Plan that presents the initiatives that government,
private sector, and civil society, should undertake to make mobility more inclusive for all
sectors in Metro Manila

In summary, Dr. Romero, articulated that this consultation workshop aspires for these important
features:
 Desired Impact – “An Inclusive Mobility Network” which will advocate for ‘mobility of all,
mobility for all, and mobility by all’
 Desired Output – “An Outline” of an ‘Inclusive Mobility Action Plan’
 Desired Outcome – “An Inclusive Mobility Network” of key transport stakeholders
organized to advocate and help implement the ‘Inclusive Mobility Action Plan’

Revisiting the First Workshop
The video first introduced the importance of “inclusive mobility” which showcased its three
important aspects: ‘research, connecting people, and engaging the public to mainstream innovative
transport paradigm’. The second part of the video featured the highlights of the first
consultation workshop held last September.

Inclusive Mobility video and documentary video from the first workshop are being shown before the participants.

4

17 October 2013
Dr. Romero also presented the results and highlights of the Metro Manila Transport
Challenge Mapping Workshop (see Annex 3 for the copy of presentation). He presented the
different ways the participants experience (both primary and secondary) the transport
system of Metro Manila. Interestingly, many of the participants’ primary experience came
from riding bicycle, bus and tricycle commuting. Secondary experiences came from
commuting using jeepney, train, and as pedestrians.
Dr. Romero’s presentation also highlighted the participants’ perceived positive and negative
aspects on the Metro Manila’s transport system. The positive aspects include the following:
presence of waiting sheds that serve as loading and unloading areas; presence of MRTs and
LRTs which make it easier for us to travel; get to enjoy the murals and the artworks
painted on the walls of Metro Manila; ample choices of mode of transportation (bus, train,
jeepney, tricycle, pedicab, etc.) and can even go bi-modal; and our transport system is
adoptive to the situation that it calls for (e.g. When there’s flood, the transport system can
adjust). The negative aspects brought about by our transportation system include air
pollution that is harmful to our health and environment; drivers lack of discipline; and it is
not safe to move around by bicycle because of the absence of bike lane.
The last part of his presentation focused on the participants’ evaluation of the different
modes of transportation in Metro Manila (positive conditions, features and benefits; and
negative conditions and features) with regards to mobility, safety, productivity and civility.

Introduction of Workshop Participants

Workshop participants representing different sectors

Forty five (45) participants attended the mapping workshop, (See Annex 2: Attendance Sheet). Out
of the 45, eleven (11) represented the informal communities; nine(9) from local non-government
organizations; fifteen (15) from the academe; three (3) from transport groups and seven (7) from the
private sector including web app developers (two (2) private individuals; (1) from web app
developers sector; and (4) from the private sector). Participants from the informal communities are
the same people who attended the first workshop.

5

17 October 2013
Each of the 45 participants was given 10 seconds to introduce themselves by stating their name and
organization and described their vision for our transport and traffic systems. Below is a list of the
visions that the participants mentioned, in bullet form (Note: similar responses were encoded as one):
 Promotion of bi-modal transport
 Advocate use of bicycle
 More bikes, for healthy living
 Environment-friendly, sustainable transport system
 Provision of PWD convenient transport system for accessibility not only in buildings but also
in main roads
 Awareness of drivers on the needs of PWDs
 Awareness of government on the transport needs of PWDs
 A safe passageway for PWDs
 Provision of “hanging pedestrian lanes” for safety of pedestrians
 The government should focus on strict and proper implementation, not always on the
suggested solution
 Safety precaution on the use of tricycle
 Disciplined commuters and drivers
 Use data for information and information
 Use of technology for Filipinos to make informed and right decisions especially with regard
our transportation system
 Advocate for student-friendly, safe and environment-friendly Metro Manila
 To use color-coding in public places/areas: Green which means environment-friendly; light
blue for light/happy travel; and, gold for prosperity
 Orderly traffic situation and convenient public transport system in Metro Manila
 Safe and better sidewalk/pathways in Metro Manila
 Courteous and considerate drivers/motorists, and commuters/pedestrians
 Safe and better constructed roads

Presentation: “Our Traffic Hell, An Exit Strategy”
by Dr. Marie Danielle V. Guillen, Senior Research Associate, iBoP Asia Program
(See Annex 4.2: One Traffic Hell, An Exit Strategy)
Dr. Guillen’s presentation is an excerpt from an article posted
in Rappler.com (A social news network which features stories
that provide perspective, inspire community engagement,
smart conversations, & action for social change), which she
co-authored with Dr. Tony La Viña, the current Dean of
Ateneo School of Government. The article was written based
on the recent experiences and frustrations of residents of
Metro Manila who were caught in traffic jam because of heavy
flooding and bomb threat. As noted in the article, the citizens
have reached a breaking point and because of anger have
totally put the blame on the government, specifically the
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Main discussion points of the article, as Dr. Guillen highlighted
in her presentation are:
Dr. Guillen discussing
Rappler article

the

 Assured destruction – on why the approach of MMDA
to solve traffic and transport problem may lead only to MAD-ness (Mutually Assured
Destruction).
6

17 October 2013


Statistics and the big picture – not only looking at the statistics but looking at the big
picture and learn to understand what matters most using data — is it mobility or the
lack of it?



Research and implementation cycle - Manila’s use of cycle “policy-implementationevaluation-improvement” as opposed to what most cities of developed countries -typical sustainable transport planning and mobility management cycle includes research
(data collection); policy (if new ones or some revisions are needed); policy/project
implementation; evaluation (research again); and improvement.



Transport hierarchy - The road-sharing concept supports the belief that the movement of
people and things should follow the simple principle, “those who have less in wheels
must have more in roads.”

Workshops
Workshop 1: Identification of Opportunities and Challenges in mobility, safety, productivity,
and civility the roads of Metro Manila - Enablers or Barriers. (Pagtukoy sa mga nakakatulong
at nakakabalakid sa ating mobilidad, kaligtasan, produktibidad, at urbanidad sa mga
lansangan ng Metro Manila)
The participantswere asked to identify the
“enablers and barriers” for each key areas
(mobility, safety, productivity, and civility)
per
dimension
(physical,
social,
environmental, economic, institutional, and
technology). With the use of meta-cards,
participants were asked to write the
challenges/barriers
and
the
opportunities/enablers for each key areas
per dimension with one idea per meta-card
(See Table 1, Opportunities and Challenges).

Participants started writing answers in metacards for workshop 1

During the workshop proper, metacards posted by the participants were clustered by the facilitators accordingly.

7

17 October 2013

Table 1. Opportunities and Challenges in Mobility, Safety, Productivity, and Civility

DIMENSIONS

MOBILITY

SAFETY

Barriers

Enablers

urban sprawl (what is
the shape of the
community?)

public
transport
hierarchy

Barriers

Enablers

over-crowding

PRODUCTIVITY

Barriers

Enablers

Barriers

Enablers

accessibility of
PWDs and the
elderly
(provision of
elevators

crowded road

mixed-use
urban areas
and
communities

people throw
garbage on the
road

road
infrastructure

time and
motion study
traversing
Metro Manila
for all modes
of transport

vehicle density

encounters
less traffic
saves time

size of vehicle as
factor

footbridges are difficult
to climb; too high and
steep)
PHYSICAL

CIVILITY

should have
parking space
for bikers

overloaded jeepneys
and buses

buses are safer
in case of
accidents

minimum size of road
signs bigger fonts,
shorter names -- for
commuters and
drivers to see from
afar

limited road space/ small
passage way

bikes occupy
less road space

structure and design
of jeepneys and
tricycles are not safe

presence of
footbridges

heavy traffic situation

For PWDs: no safe
sidewalks; no allotment
for parking space substandard PWD access
ramps; no loading and
unloading zones

there are
designated bus
stops

concrete barriers do
not improve
motorist safety

presence of
pedestrian
crosswalks/lights
/ signals

absence of designated
bike parking and
shower facilities

bus drivers are
more aggressive
(offensive drivers)

8

17 October 2013
DIMENSIONS

MOBILITY

SAFETY

Enablers

PRODUCTIVITY

Barriers

Enablers

Barriers

Barriers

too wide center island
boxes

mixeduse/transitoriented
development,
e.g., Araneta
Center

dangerous open
manholes

poor infrastructure maintenance instead of
improvement

absence of
walkablesidewalks

presence of
FX/AUV share
a ride

safety and security of
open car parks from
thefts and robbers

use of
minimum
width and
quality of
sidewalks as a
basic right

no bike
parkings/lacks
secured bike parking

no parking space for
PWDs

poor signage/way of
finding transport for
commuters; no system
for knowing route name
or route of PUB/PUJ
(visible from afar makes commuters go to
center of road)

should have
overpasses
with
escalators/walk
ways/walkaton

absence of
emergency exits in
buses

elevators and
escalators are often
out of order

overcrowded public
utility vehicles

LRTs/MRTs
have
segregation/
special section
for women,

road signs are not
visible

CIVILITY

overloading public
utility vehicles

For bike riders: barriers
to cycling (u-turn
schemes, high overpass;
no bike lanes)

Enablers

Barriers

Enablers

double parking and no
parking signs

inconsiderate
people lackconcern to
others

9

17 October 2013
DIMENSIONS

MOBILITY

Barriers

SAFETY

Enablers
elderly, and
PWDs

Barriers

Enablers

PRODUCTIVITY

Barriers

difficult to climb MRT
and LRT stations;
elevators and esclators
for PWDs and elderly
most of the time out of
order

there should
be tax
incentives for a
3 meters
setback of
building (1st
floor) for
pedestrians

unsafe footbridges
(too steep, no
proper lighting, too
narrow, no ramps)

safe sidewalks
for pedestrians

LRTs/MRTs always
operate beyond full
capacity

more effective
traffic lights

many streets
without street lights

sidewalk used as waiting
area (loading and
unloading zones)

Enablers

wrong infrastructure
for PWDs in building,
roads, public areas,
etc.

no efficient drainage
system

CIVILITY

Barriers

lack of quality public
open spaces

dilapidated road
conditions

Enablers

how to make
mobility
convernient to
commuters

lack of affordable
housing for the poor
poor streetlighting

10

17 October 2013
DIMENSIONS

MOBILITY

Barriers

SOCIAL

sectors have their own
vested interests and
usually hard for them to
understand general
welfare

lack of discipline among
drivers, commuters and
pedestrians

discrimination of drivers
with bikers

SAFETY

Enablers

Barriers

transportation
is a major
employer

lack of discipline
among commuters,
pedestrians and
motorists (rude
drivers/some drivers
drive recklessly while
intoxicated/some
drivers are implicated
in crimes, “patok”
jeepneys make loud
music)

police/supervis
or to manage
people riding
MRTs/LRTs

tourist
police/guards
are being used
as city
ambassadors

commuters/pedestria
ns and motorists do
not care about other
commuters/pedestria
ns/ operators and
drivers do not obey
traffic and transport
laws

abled persons lack
awareness on the
laws regarding PWDs

Enablers

the presence
and practice of
"bayanihan
principle"

bike groups
promote biking
practices

PRODUCTIVITY

Barriers

long que for FX/AUV

Choosy drivers
whether taxi drivers,
jeepney, tricycle, etc.

Filipino time as an
attitude

CIVILITY

Enablers

Barriers

Enablers

bicycle riding
promotes
mental and
physical
health among
the
workforce

lack and no
discipline among
drivers and other
motorist; some
drivers do not
follow traffic
signals; some
drivers do not
have road
courtesy reckless driving
and indiscriminate
overtaking

Filipinos are
normally polite
and have a sense
of shame "hiya"
(considerate to
others - give
seats to the
elderly, pregnant
women, and
PWDs)

bicycle riding
is healthier,
hence, more
productive

some drivers do
not respect
ambulance and
other emergency
vehicles; some
drivers do not
respect traffic
markings
(loading/unloading
zones, no parking,
etc.)

some drivers
observe road
courtesy

some drivers do
not have respect
and consideration
to their
passengers

there should be
educational,
cultural ads, and
signage in train
stations and on
the roads to
educate people
on their roles
and
responsibilities
regarding traffic
and transport
systems

personal
hygiene and
good
grooming of
some drivers

11

17 October 2013
DIMENSIONS

MOBILITY

SAFETY

Barriers

Enablers

Barriers

crowded transport
system

more drivers
seem to be
aware of
cycling

presence of bike
theft

disregarding traffic
officers "stop" hand
signal results in no
apprehension (sending
bad signals)

presence of
TODA,
jeepney
associations,
bus drivers,
associations
workshops

indiscriminate parking at
national and secondary
roads

lack of awareness of
drivers about PWDs
rights in transportation
and pedestrians; drivers
should have seminars
about rights of PWDs

PRODUCTIVITY

CIVILITY

Barriers

Enablers

Barriers

Enablers

difficulty in taking
public utility vehicles
especially every
Monday

cleanliness of
public utility
vehicles

there are
underage and
drivers driving
without license

we should all
exercise
discipline for a
better society

conflict between
drivers and
commuters

lack and no
discipline among
commuters and
pedestrians

bikes and
walking prove to
have a calming
effect

lack of discipline
among drivers and
commuters

some commuters
do not have
respect and
consideration to
other commuters
(younger
generations do
not offer seats to
the elderly and
PWDs; to each its
own attitude; talk
loudly on the
phone)

group riders
promote good
camaraderie

"everybody doing it"
attitude

some commuters
do not have
respect and
consideration to
drivers (e.g., heavy
weight passenger
do not offer to
pay equivalent of
two persons)

road courtesy

poor conditions of
vehicles

new friends
through social
activities

Enablers

12

17 October 2013
DIMENSIONS

MOBILITY

Barriers

SAFETY

Enablers

vehicle
upgrading

implementing rules on
noise pollution
(mufflers) how loud is
loud?
ENVIRONMENTAL

lack of trees

disaster
preparedness
and
management

Barriers

Enablers

presence of smoke
belching vehicles

bikes and
walking are nonpollutants

PRODUCTIVITY

Barriers
illegal parking of
vehicles

CIVILITY

Enablers

Barriers

Enablers

air and noise pollution

green roofs

no discipline in
waste disposal don't follow waste
segregation
program

provision of
segregated
recycling bins in
every
community

Littering

pocket
parks/adding
plants/trees
to urban
landscape

air (foul smell of
surrounding) and
noise (loud and
noisy jeepneys)
pollution

greening of
landscape by
providing plants
(flowering and
ornamental) and
trees

presence of guiltfree litter bugs
(throwing of
plastic bags,
cigarette butts and
other garbage
anywhere)

unregulated land use and
development

ride a bike

Storm-water
management
(sewers, biowastes)

LGUs have no capacity
to measure air pollution

no plastic bag
policy helps
reduce
flooding

community
gardens

calamities;
environmental damages
smoke belching vehicles
hazardous to health

13

17 October 2013
DIMENSIONS

MOBILITY

SAFETY

Enablers

Barriers

traffic situation in Metro
Manila has a big impact
in our economy

increased
productivity
with improved
transport
system

presence of beggars
around public
transportation
terminals

students and senior
citizen fare discounts
should be strictly
implemented

cheap fares

Enablers

PRODUCTIVITY

CIVILITY

Barriers

Enablers

Barriers

Enablers

high cost of transport
fares

more time to
work in
transit

urban
development is
too focused in
Metro Manila

Metro Manila is
the main
employment
center

maintenance of vehicle
that cause hindrance
to commuters

work from
home/flexitime

sidewalk is being used as
vending areas
ECONOMIC

Barriers

availability of
cheap
umbrellas for
sale
everywhere

lost productive time
due to traffic

presence of
one-stop
shops / bayad
centers,
malls, etc.

taxi fare is expensive;
some taxi drivers
choose passengers

cheaper reusable bag for
unplanned
shopping

snacks more
expensive than bus
fare (for bikers/cyclist)

use taxi as
miniconvenience
store

an individual has to take
leave of absence to be
able to file a complaint
against abusive drivers

bicycle riding
saves money
no fare
needed

lost man hours in traffic

presence of
mixed income
communities

use of public
vehicles as
avenues for
business and
networking

boundary system (forces
PUV drivers to wait for
passengers)

14

17 October 2013
DIMENSIONS

MOBILITY

Barriers

SAFETY

Enablers

INSTITUTIONAL

Lack of -standard hand
signals (uncoordinated)
for traffic directors; for
pedestrians and cars

many policies
exist

need for emphasis in
transportation in landuse decision/planning

presence of
professional
drivers

PRODUCTIVITY

CIVILITY

Barriers

Enablers

Barriers

Enablers

Barriers

hopeless traffic
enforcers

existence and
good
enforcement of
transportation
policies

unregulated tricycle
regulatory board high cost of fares even
for short trips

more
information
campaigns
from
barangays

TRAFFIC AND
TRANSPORT:
no effective
planning for
transport and
traffic system

tricycles operate in
major roads

use of
motorcycle
helmets is
enforced

location of public
services/ agencies in
hard to
reach/inaccessible
places

efficient
urban
planning in
consultation
with all
stakeholders

no proper
coordination
among different
agencies

too much corruption

presence of
more MMDA,
paid and
volunteer traffic
enforcers on the
road

poor training on traffic
and road rules for
drivers,
commuters/pedestrian

start
development
s outisde
Metro Manila
to decongest
the
Metropolis

“tokenism” in
construction of
PWD facilities

should enforce
"car less day"
policy

folding bikes are not
allowed inside
establishments and
offices

lack of long-term
planning

strict
implementatio
n of traffic and
transport laws

13-inch tire-to-gutter
for unloading vehicles (is
there a rule in traffic
code?)

government to
listen to the
concern of the
people

no metro-wide bike
policy/plan

no coordination
between gov't agencies
in projects in the same
area - no stakeholder
consultations and advice

inter-gov't
agency
dialogue

no lane designation

Enablers

LTFRB has no
clear policy and
complaint
procedures for
drivers and other
motorists
no limitation in
the number of car
ownership

15

17 October 2013
DIMENSIONS

MOBILITY

SAFETY

Barriers

too many agencies
involved in traffic
management and
enforcement (MMDA,
LGU, Barangay)

implement
one-stop shop
information
port for the
public to see -citing all
available
modes of
transport

enforcers not
wearing reflectorized
clothes and traffic
sign paddles

no laws on proper
hygiene and
sanitation for
commuters/
pedestrians and
drivers

implement the
accessibility on
transportation

de-politicize
planning

no road sign
standardization

HOUSING: lack
of provision of
affordable housing
for the poor

give importance to
awareness raising on the
rights of PWDs

integrated
transport
systems

overloaded buses,
jeepneys, tricycles

poor resettlement
strategies for
informal settlers

presence of rail
system

should have "wiper
on" and "headlight
on" policy for cars,
jeepneys and
motorcycles

passing the bucks -among government
agencies

Enablers

Barriers

Enablers

DPWH road
extension projects
must indicate "road
width" not just
"number of lanes
standard width"

lack of awareness of
drivers on the
implementation of fare
discounts for PWDS -discount IDs not
accepted by some public
utility drivers

Barriers

CIVILITY

Enablers

no shower facilities for
bike to work citizens

Enablers

PRODUCTIVITY

Barriers

DPWH should
regularly monitor
their road projects

16

17 October 2013
DIMENSIONS

MOBILITY

Barriers

SAFETY

Enablers

Barriers

Enablers

PRODUCTIVITY

CIVILITY

Barriers

Enablers

Barriers

Enablers

Lack oftransportation
modes service
schedule

centralization
of gov't
offices for
the purpose
of document
processing

high cost of
electricity

use of solar
powered or
LED lights

professional drivers
should be TESDA
certified or should
have technical driving
certificates
there should be strict
implementation of
the seat belt law

TECHNOLOGY

competing transport
systems

applications for
information of
commuters

absence of gated
MRTs and LRTs for
safety

use of cellular
phones GPS
APPS aid in
navigation

unreliable transport
schedule

affordable data
plans for
cellular phones

lack (sometimes
absence) of CCTV
cameras in MRT and
LRT stations

use of cellular
phones for
information
alerts in times of
crisis and
calamities

E-Commerce
and ability to
do
transactions
on-line

use of social
media for
information and
outlet

no shcedule for Metro
Manila transport

provide
information for
each
barangay/city
the available
transit
networks
online

drivers attentionon
their electronic
gadgets like
cellphones, when
driving

availability of
inexpensive
bicycle spare
parts especially
lighting

gov't should
implement EPayment for
gov't
transactions

use of existing
waiting
time/countdown
clocks in traffic
lights

no proper vehicles
design for PWDs

use of GPS
technology
free wi-fi in
the city

17

17 October 2013
It is very glaring to see that the participants have identified so many barriers/challenges for each of
the key words and for each dimension, more than the enablers/opportunities. But the enablers and
opportunities identified are worth noting and could be very beneficial to the key players in the
transport industry.

Dr. Romero discussing the rich answers of participants written in metacards in Workshop 1.

What is surprising in this exercise is that the participants weren’t able to identify barriers/challenges
pertaining to disasters – whether natural or manmade, considering that Metro Manila is prone to
heavy flooding with or without typhoon. Could this be attributed to the resiliency of Metro Manila
residents in cases of disasters? Or they are so used to disasters that they don’t think these would
pose barriers and challenges with regard their mobility, safety, productivity and civility?

18

17 October 2013

Workshop 2: Identifying policies and actions being done by the government, the business
and private sector, and the citizens were done in three levels (1) that should be stopped; (2)
continue and; (3) start doing to be able for a better and orderly traffic and transport
situation in Metro Manila. (Pagtukoy ng mga hakbangin (policy or action) na dapat itigil,
dapat ipagpatuloy, o dapat simulan ng gobyerno, mga negosyante na nasa pribadong sector,
at mga mamamayan upang mapabuti ang pag-gamit ng mga lansangan sa Metro Manila)

Using meta-cards each participant was asked to identify actions
and policies currently being done by the key players in Metro
Manila transport system and determine which among these
actions and policies should be stopped, continue or start doing if
certain actions have not been introduced. (See Table 2. Actions
and Policies)

Mr. Cordova discussing answers in
Workshop 2

19

17 October 2013

Table 2. Policies and Actions being done by government, private sector and citizens that should stop;
continue and start doing for a better and orderly traffic and transport situation in Metro Manila

MOBILITY

GOVERNMENT
PRIVATE SECTOR
STOP
CONTINUE
STOP
CONTINUE
START
DOING
DOING
START DOING
DOING
DOING
DOING
package deal study how to long-term
no to
provide
rationalize
for stop
establish
urban planning parking
capital for
pubic
lights that
clean
fees
environment transport
do not work transport
sustainable
routes
system, e.g.
transport
E-Vehicle
unregulated
car
ownership

study the
implications
of having
motorcycle
lanes/MMDA
blue lanes

implementatio
n of
laws/ordinanc
es and magna
carta on
PWDs

no palakasan process
(nepotism)
center for
license/passp
orts

build elevated
bike lanes,
parallel to
LRT/MRT

stop Private
Emission
Testing

Subway

declogging of
esteros and
canals

allow
governm
ent to
stop
Private
Emission
Testing
Compani
es
(PETC)
disregardi
ng traffic
cause by
their
projects
"No
Return,
No

STOP
DOING
driving
without
license

littering -throwing
garbage
anywhere

CITIZENS
CONTINUE
DOING
monitor gov't
policies and
project re:
National
Environment
ally
Sustainable
Transport
continue use
of bikes to
inspire
others

companies
that have a
"share-aride" policy

online
processing
of
documents

shuttle
services for
employees

add MRT
cabins

carpool to
lessen cars
on the road

mixed-use
(by Ayala
Land Corp),

identify
new
LRT/MRT

START
DOING
exercise
discipline -start it at
home

citizens
should
rediscover
the art of
walking

support Pasig
River Ferry
and its

observe
punctuality

20

17 October 2013
STOP
DOING
Companies
(PETC)
Stop
releasing
funds for
unclear
purposes
centralizatio
n of
document
processing

GOVERNMENT
CONTINUE
DOING
START DOING

planning
central
transport
terminals
stricter
traffic impact
assessment
requirements
for new
development

establish a
comprehensiv
e metro-wide
bike lane
network
to create
mass transit
system to
connect the
whole
archipelago

"ningas
increase
kugon" (easy LRT/MRT
to start but lines
will not last
long)

connect all
LRT and MRT
lines

stop 'kotong
cop'
(scalawag
police)

public officials
should use
public transpo

improvement
on
transportatio
n technology
(traffic
lights/signals)

PRIVATE SECTOR
STOP
CONTINUE
START
DOING
DOING
DOING
Exchange e.g., The
lines
" Policy
Fort/Global
City
to have
One-stop
use of
social
shops inside
smart card
responsib malls
for
ility
MRTs/LRTs
loading
and
unloading
to
undesigna
ted
loading
and
unloading
areas

STOP
DOING

CITIZENS
CONTINUE
DOING
rehabilitation

START
DOING

advocate and
support mass
transport
system/biking

revive river
transport
(MarkingPasigMarkina)

follow traffic
laws and
regulations

reduce car
use in city
centers;
observe
car less
days
implement
(make it
real) the
rights of
PWDs

exploring
other modes
of
transportatio
n

21

17 October 2013
STOP
DOING
stop issuing
new
transport
franchises

GOVERNMENT
CONTINUE
DOING
START DOING
more
establish HOV
advanced
lanes for
techniques
motorists

STOP
DOING

PRIVATE SECTOR
CONTINUE
START
DOING
DOING
gas/petrol
tax
increase?
Or
transparen
cy for
allocation
of funds
towards
infrastructu
re
bike share
(LGU,
MMDA
Program?
PPP?)

too much
power in
the hands of
private
transport
operators

one-stop
shops

promote carfree days in a
week

Expensive
and nonpedestrian
friendly
footbridges

extension of
MRT-LRT
(outise
Metro Manila
to Mega
Manila)
pass GB 5240
into law 'bike parking
bill"

consider
upgrading the
LRT/MRT
system

CITIZENS
CONTINUE
DOING

START
DOING

Include
ramps for
bikes and
also for
footbridges

be technically
specific on the
dimensions of
stairs used on
footbridges
for PWDs and
children with
school bags

STOP
DOING

improve
sidewalks
around
their
projects

providing
free
vehicles/fuel
to gov't
officials

22

17 October 2013
STOP
DOING
unscheduled
road repair

GOVERNMENT
CONTINUE
DOING
START DOING
designated
establish BRT
provincial
routes
bus lanes

stop using
new cars
without
plates

color coding
(in Marikina
and other
cities)

stop
focusing on
policies on
transport
fares

higher tax on
car ownership

gov't start
consulting
bike
commuters
prior to
building bike
lanes

STOP
DOING

PRIVATE SECTOR
CONTINUE
START
DOING
DOING
establish
offices/wor
k place
near labor
resources
establish
bike
commuter
amenities
at work
such as
parking/sho
wer
facilities
abolish
boundary
system for
PUV driver

STOP
DOING

CITIZENS
CONTINUE
DOING

START
DOING

consider
teaming up
with
private
sectors in
creating
the train
lines for a
win-win
situation
when
developing
the
23

17 October 2013

SAFET
Y

STOP
DOING

installation
of concrete
barriers on
major roads

GOVERNMENT
CONTINUE
DOING
START DOING

continue
road projects

provide
comfortable,
safe, reliable
public
transport
system
creation of
elevated or
hanging
pedestrian
lanes
minimize
issuance of
jeepney/bus
franchise
improve
sidewalks/
walkability
regulate mass
transits (bus
and jeepney)
centralized
transport
staggered
work hours
insurance
policy for the
drivers

STOP
DOING

regulate
selling of
installme
nt

PRIVATE SECTOR
CONTINUE
START
DOING
DOING
accessibility
of an area

sell only safe
and
guaranteed
products

STOP
DOING

road rage

CITIZENS
CONTINUE
DOING

START
DOING

be vigilant to
monitor gov't
projects

24

17 October 2013
STOP
DOING

corruption
"Napoles
style"

GOVERNMENT
CONTINUE
DOING
START DOING

implementati
on of the
rules and
regulations in
traffic

requirearchite
cts/ engineers
to build and
design
disabledfriendly
facilities

monitor
projects
according to
safety
standards
construct
more
underpasses
and walkways
like in Makati
- throughout
the
Metropolis
to put covers
on manholes

improve the
pedestrians
walkways

PRIVATE SECTOR
STOP
CONTINUE
START
DOING
DOING
DOING
motorcyc
les
especially
to those
who do
not even
have
driver's
license

STOP
DOING

loading and
unloading
in
undesignat
ed
loading/unl
oading
areas

CITIZENS
CONTINUE
DOING

START
DOING

be vigilant
against
corruption
(safeguard
the country's
wealth)
be vigilant
against
crimes

to put
appropriate
bus and
jeepney stops

25

PRODUCTIVITY

17 October 2013
STOP
DOING
confiscation
of driver's
license to
save time,
minimize
and
eradicate
corruption,
increase
government
revenues
discriminati
on between
the rich and
the poor

allowing
LGUs to
give permits
to tricycle
to operate
corruption

GOVERNMENT
CONTINUE
DOING
START DOING
housing
alternative
program
livelihood for
drivers

appoint
urban
planners in
the
government

limit number
of tricycle
registration

STOP
DOING

PRIVATE SECTOR
CONTINUE
START
DOING
DOING

mall
hiring no age
limit; no
height
requirem
ent

service
vehicles for
employees

coordinate
with
governmen
t

CITIZENS
CONTINUE
DOING
be involve
for their own
development

START
DOING
observe
punctuality

provide
jobs for
PWDs

overcome
greed for
profit

STOP
DOING
tardiness

rationalize
franchising of
vehicles

more benefits
for the
highway
enforcement

more options
for work at
home/flexitime

education
campaigns
and
information
dissemination
in barangay
level for the
welfare of its

discipline
among
policemen,
traffic aids,
drivers and
commuters

support
materials
needed and
food/transpo
rtation for
employees
attending
seminars

take photo
or video of
any
violations

force gov't to live close
be
to work
transparent
in the
allocation of
funds and
decisionmaking
organize
themselves as
a strong
consumer
group
be vigilant in
monitoring
gov't projects

26

17 October 2013
STOP
DOING

giving "over"
franchise to
vehicles

GOVERNMENT
CONTINUE
DOING
START DOING
constituents
hiring traffic
enforcers

turn off street
lights (5am6pm) - they
are left "on"
until it is
busted

action!

STOP
DOING

PRIVATE SECTOR
CONTINUE
START
DOING
DOING

concern for
others

STOP
DOING

CITIZENS
CONTINUE
DOING

START
DOING

staggered
work shifts
to later
times to
beat traffic/
rush hour
(11am9pm?)

send 'address
verification
card' to all
drivers as a
pre-requisite
for renewal of
license and
use said card
for renewal
send driving
violation
notice via
registered
mail to
violator's
postal address
and pay via
bank or
remittance
centers

27

17 October 2013
STOP
DOING

GOVERNMENT
CONTINUE
DOING
START DOING
Some gov't
should have a
mid-week
break but
open on
Saturdays or
Sundays
Institutions
should
provide
discounts to
those who
don't use
parking spaces
Giving of
incentives to
those people
who bike to
work, school
or any other
places
Incorporate
transport
cards in
ID.This can
also pay for
things
apprehend
real traffic
violators - not
just private
vehicle drivers

STOP
DOING

PRIVATE SECTOR
CONTINUE
START
DOING
DOING

STOP
DOING

CITIZENS
CONTINUE
DOING

START
DOING

28

17 October 2013
STOP
DOING

GOVERNMENT
CONTINUE
DOING
START DOING
to upgrade
the payment
system for
commuters
(Ex. Unified
card system
for payment
for
LRTs/MRTs/
bus/jeepneys,
etc.
give other
options so
motorists will
refrain from
using twostrokes/fourstrokes --this will also
prevent air
pollution
upgrade the
"penalty
system" for
motorists and
civilians when
they do not
follow the
rules

STOP
DOING

PRIVATE SECTOR
CONTINUE
START
DOING
DOING

STOP
DOING

CITIZENS
CONTINUE
DOING

START
DOING

29

17 October 2013
STOP
DOING
acting like
politicians

CIVILITY

corruption

using road
repairs as
campaign
tool

GOVERNMENT
CONTINUE
DOING
START DOING
provide
training/semin
appropriate
ar/
public
consultation
infrastructure awareness to
for
the needs of
commuters
PWDs, bikers
more bike
lanes

teach children
how to cross
streets/use
public
transport how to be
street mart
DepEd to
educate
children on
bike
use/safety
create and
encourage the
use of bikes
seminars for
drivers on the
rights of
PWDs

PRIVATE SECTOR
STOP
CONTINUE
START
DOING
DOING
DOING
no
practice
business
contractu genuine CSR establishme
alization
nts do not
for
use
workers
pedestrian
space for
themselves
discrimin
ation
against
cyclists

STOP
DOING
stop
bribing the
police/
traffic
enforcers
using
priority
seats
elderly
PWD and
pregnant
women
throwing
garbage on
roads

CITIZENS
CONTINUE
DOING
be vigilant

observe
cleanliness
and hygiene
in public
places

START
DOING
observe
discipline at
all times

caring for
others ( no
man is an
island)

concert,
respect,
and
understand
PWDs
observe
discipline as
motorist/co
mmuters/
pedestrians
observe
hygiene
and
cleanliness
(avoid
spitting in
public)
30

17 October 2013
The table of responses showed that good policies and actions of both the government and the
private sectors exist. However, some of these policies/actions need to be refined.Corruption and
the lack of proper planning hinder the implementation of these policies and actions towards a more
inclusive transport system in Metro Manila. On the part of the citizens, they should practice
discipline and respect (to elderly, women, and PWDs) and change their ‘no care’ attitude to improve
their own mobility, safety, productivity, and civility..at all;, 2).
Same with Workshop 1, there was no discussion on the issue of disaster in this particular workshop.

Workshop 3: Setting Priorities - Immediate, Short-term, and Long-term Plans
for the government, the private sector and the citizens. (Paglalatag ng mga
napiling hakbangin na ipinpanukalang maging prayoridad ng gobyerno, mga
negosyante/nasa pribadong sector, at mga mamamayan ayon sa immediate,
short-term, at long term).

Presentors of each group discussed their answers in Workshop 3.

In this particular workshop, the participants were given the liberty to choose among the key issues –
mobility, safety, productivity, and civility). These four group of key issues came up with action plans
and determined which among these action plans are immediate (can be done within the next year),
short term (can be done within the next three years), or long term (can be done within the next ten
years). The plans drawn by all the four groups clearly define the priorities of each of the three
sectors – the government, the private sector and the citizens themselves. (See Table 3. Action
Plans)

31

17 October 2013

Table 3. Identified Priorities and Action Plan (Immediate, Short-term, and Long-term)
GOVERNMENT

PRIVATE SECTOR

CITIZENS

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

map out all bus
stops/waiting sheds
for creation of
'PWD, Pregrant
Women-friendly'
waiting shed designs

MOBILITY

Immediate

estimate
cost/source
of funding for
sidewalks and
bikeways

government
to protect the
use of
setbacks/pede
strian lanes
(to minimize
gov't cost of
re-acquiring ROW)

conduct
inventory of all
modes of
transportation
(e.g., access data
of regulators

review design
standards and
specifications of
sidewalks

incentives for
private
sector to
provide
setbacks/ease
ment for
pedestrians

businesses should
be aware that
sooner or later
they have to give
up spaces for
pedestrians

should police
'own rank'
against overcharging
particularly
(TODA)

encourage
walking

encourage
bike to
work

32

17 October 2013
GOVERNMENT

PRIVATE SECTOR

CITIZENS

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

Engineering
department should
start building code
implementation for
setbacks/easement

re-design
public
transport/
vehicles for
PWDs

offer
subsidy/business
opportunities to
waiting sheds and
buses

report
violations

create more
spaces in
public
elementary
schools for
waiting
parents

be in-sync with
gov't -- no vague
tag lines
"kailangan ng
disiplina,
kailangan ng
sidewalk/bikeway
s"; present own
proposals,
solution e.g. 'how
and how much?
Even answers to
legal
impediments

post in
facebook
and other
social
media
accounts
any
complaints
and
suggestions

33

17 October 2013
GOVERNMENT

PRIVATE SECTOR

CITIZENS

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)
help reduce
pollution -through tree
planting and
tree nurturing

SAFETY

strictly enforce
traffic laws -- assign
more traffic
enforcers to
delinquent places

more
convenient
and up-tostandards
PWD
facilities

creation of
gated platform
for
LRTs/MRTs

creation of
insurance policy
programs for
drivers and
highway
enforcers

installing
street lights
and waiting
sheds in dark
places

invest in
sustainable/e
nvironmentfriendly
transport
system

observe
traffic
safety
practices

vote for
policy-makers
who listen and
pay attention
to the needs
of the people

proper
implementation of
designated 'loading
and unloading areas'

create
designated
pedestrian
lanes only for
PWDs

provide
'walkable'
walkways
outside train
terminals

creation of
regular
maintenance
policy for
vehicles (checkup)

support the
Pantawid
Pamilyang
Pilipino
Program (4
Ps)

institutionaliz
e traffic
safety as
early as
grade school

be vigilant report
dilapidated
roads that
may not be
safe for
motorists
and
pedestrians

use designated
'loading and
unloading
areas'

strict
implementation of
'standard road
safety'

include road
skills/streetsmart
(crossing
streets,
street signs,
traffic signs)
in school

create of a
'comprehensive disaster
response
management
plan'

create of a
'comprehen-sive
disaster response
management
plan'

create of a
response
management
plan'

create of a
response
management
plan'

create of a
'comprehe
n-sive
disaster
response
manageme
nt plan'

create of a
response
management
plan'

create of a
response
management
plan'

34

17 October 2013
GOVERNMENT

PRIVATE SECTOR

CITIZENS

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

curriculum

strict
implementation of
'magna carta for
PWDs'

creation of jobs for
PWDs

stop selling of
motorcycles to
unlicensed
drivers

creation of
disaster
mgm’t &
preparedness
plan

creation of
National ID
system (more
efficient)

support
infrastructure
projects for
PWDs

creation of jobs
for PWDs

creation of
disaster mgm’t
&
preparedness
plan in
workplace

change
driving
culture
(profitdriven)

stop
littering

be
‘concerned’

observe
punctuality/
above
tardiness -live closer
to work

creation of
disaster mgm’t
&
preparedness
plan in
community
level

35

17 October 2013
GOVERNMENT

PRIVATE SECTOR

CITIZENS

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

apprehension of
'real traffic violators'

given 'tax
incentives'
for citizens
who
bike/walk to
work and
also for
commuters

creation of
infrastructures
for PWDS

provision of 'bike
plans'

be vigilant

provision of 'bike
plans'

PRODUCTIVITY

Immediate

rationalizatio
n of 'public
utility
vehicles
(PUV)'
franchising

provide more
housing
programs for
the poor

creation of
flexible work
hours/homebased jobs

plan for
trips

support EVehicles

provision of
service
vehicles/shuttle
services for
employees

creation of flexible
work hours/ homebased jobs

every citizen
should own a
bicycle

36

17 October 2013
GOVERNMENT

PRIVATE SECTOR

CITIZENS

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

review existing
transport policies
(e.g., bike/
motorcycle lanes;
obtain
feedback/informatio
n from actual
practitioners)

convert
riverbanks to
bikelanes and
parks

implementatio
n of a master
plan for a safe,
appropriate,
environmental
-friendly
metro-wide
public
transport
network

stop corruption

immediate
information
campaigns on traffic/
transport
protocols/rules and
immediate
enforcement and
implementation of

construction
of public
infrastructure
for
commuters

all transport
sectors should
shift to 'clean
and efficient
vehicles'
(electric
vehicles, solar,
use of other
alternative

business
establishments
should stop using
public spaces as
their own

CIVILITY

provision of service
vehicles/shuttle
services for
employees
businesses
should
establish a
sense of public
responsibility
by funding
maintenance
of public
transport
infrastructures

stop
corruption

stop
corruption

stop
corruption

observe
proper
hygiene
and
cleanliness
especially
in public
spaces

observe
proper
hygiene and
cleanliness
especially in
public spaces

observe
proper
hygiene and
cleanliness
especially in
public spaces

37

17 October 2013
GOVERNMENT

PRIVATE SECTOR

CITIZENS

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

said rules

stop corruption

fuels)

DepEd to
include in
curriculum
traffic
rules/regulati
ons as early
as the
primary level
teach kids
how to ride
bikes and
safety
precautions

stop bribery

stop
bribery

stop bribery

stop bribery

observe
courtesy at
all times

observe
courtesy at all
times

observe
courtesy at all
times

38

17 October 2013
GOVERNMENT

PRIVATE SECTOR

CITIZENS

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

Immediate

Short Term

Long Term

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

(1 yr)

(3 yrs)

(10 yrs)

observe
personal
'car less'
days

observe
personal 'car
less' days

observe
personal 'car
less' days

be aware,
be
concerned,
be vigilant - know
your
neighbors

be aware, be
concerned, be
vigilant -know your
neighbors

be aware, be
concerned, be
vigilant -know your
neighbors

practice
car-pooling

practice carpooling

practice carpooling

understand
/care/respe
ct PWDS

understand/ca
re/respect
PWDS

understand/ca
re/respect
PWDS

39

17 October 2013
During the open forum, there was a discussion on how Metro Manila and its people will be able to
maintain its ‘civility’ in case of crisis and disasters. All the groups are in agreement that a module on
this matter should be part of the disaster management and preparedness plan and the plan should be
for immediate, short-term and long-term.
It was also emphasized that all action plans that should be created by the government, private sector,
and the citizens should have “disaster-resilient features” given that our country is disasterprone.

Synthesis
In summary, the action plans identified by each of the group are very substantive and would be
relevant and beneficial in our quest for a new face of Metro Manila. The common denominators to
be able to reach our goal of having an inclusive and resilient Metro Manila which cut across all
sectors are as follows:
 Corruption – should be eradicated because it is the root of bad citizenship -- without
good citizenship there is no ‘civility’;
 Discipline – all sectors should practice discipline for it is the key to achieving all our
aspirations for our society;
 Participation – the citizens should participate in their own development and intervene ‘makialam’; should also be vigilant to be able to safeguard the welfare of their rights; and,
 Cooperation – all stakeholders should work hand in hand for the good and welfare of
everybody.

Way Forward

From left: Mr. Pio Fortuno Jr., Founder of Tiklop Society of the Philippines, Mr. Rally de Leon, Manager of Lyon Couriers, , Mr.
Ronald Rodriguez, Project Assistant of Pathways to Education, and Mr. Karlo Martin Robossa, Team member/ App developer of
“Trip Barkers”

The next step is to formalize citizen’s agenda for mobility. Four workshop participants in the
persons of Pio Fortuno, Jr. (Founder, Tiklop Society of the Philippines); Rally de Leon (Manager, Lyon
Couriers); Ronald Rodriguez (Project Assistant, Pathways to Education); and, Karlo Martin Robosa
(Team Member, Trip Barkers), were appointed to be members of the working group to help in the
drafting of Inclusive Mobility Action Plan. Other interested participants are also welcome to join the
group.

Closing
Dr. Romero commended the participants for their diligent and conscientious participation in the
mapping workshop and thanked
40

17 October 2013

Some Photos During the Workshop

Mr. Lorenzo Cordova briefing
the

participants

about

the

objectives of the workshop. He
also presented some highlights
of the previous workshop and

Dr. Segundo Romero giving
his opening remarks and
presenting some of the
findings from the previous
workshop.

Dr. Danielle Guillen
discussing her article
published in Rappler .

41

17 October 2013

Participants prepare the
metacards and pens for
the the workshop after
their short break.

Holding their colored pens,
participants started writing
the barriers and enables in
mobility’s physical, social,
environemental,
institutional, economic and
technological aspecs in
metacards

As soon as the
identification of barriers
and enablers complete,
participants started posting
their metacards on thei
table one by one.

42

17 October 2013

Participants are having fun during the workshop proper wherein they were instructed to brainstorm with
their respective group and discuss their answers among the other groups.

Because thinking
makes a person
hungry, participants
help themselves in
the food prepared for
them.

43

Metro Manila Transport Initiatives Mapping Workshop
17 Oktubre 2013
Function Room, Ground Floor, Faber Hall
Ateneo de Manila University

8:30 – 9:00 AM
9:00 – 9:30

9:30 – 10:00

PROGRAMA
Pagpaparehistro ng mga kalahok (Registration of
Participants)
Pagbubukas ng Programa (Opening Program)
- Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas (National Anthem)
- Panalangin (Prayer)
- Pambungad na Pananalita (Opening Remarks)
- Pagpapakilala ng mga kalahok (Introduction of
Participants)
Pagbabalik tanaw sa nakaraang Workshop
 Video Presentation ukol sa mga naganap noong
nakaraang Workshop (Video Presentation about the
previous workshop)
 Mga resulta ng nakaraang workshop (Brief presentation
about the results of the first workshop)

10:00 – 10:10

Presentasyon ukol sa Our traffic hell, an exit strategy

10:10 – 10:15

Presentasyon ukol sa daloy ng Workshop (Presentation of
Workshop Flow)

10:15 – 10:55

Workshop 1:
Pagtutukoy sa mga nakakatulong at nakakabalakid sa ating
mobilidad, kaligtasan, produktibidad, at urbanidad sa mga
lansangan ng Metro Manila (Identification of opportunities
and challenges in mobility, safety, productivity, and civility in
the roads of Metro Manila)

10:55 – 11:30

Presentasyon at malayang talakayan sa mga resulta ng
Workshop 1 (Presentation and discussion of Workshop 1)

11:30 – 1:00 PM Tanghalian (Lunch break)
1:00 – 1:15

Presentasyon ukol sa Workshop 2 (Briefing for the
Workshop 2)

1:15 – 1:55

Workshop 2:
Pagtutukoy ng mga hakbangin (polisiya o aksyon) na dapat
itigil, dapat ipagpatuloy, o dapat simulan ng gobyerno, mga
negosyante/ nasa pribadong sektor, at mga mamamayan

Dr. Segundo R. Romero
Director, iBoP Asia Program

Dr. Segundo R. Romero
Dr. Marie Danielle V.
Guillen

upang mapabuti ang pag-gamit natin ng mga lansangan sa
Metro Manila
1:55 – 2:25

Workshop 2 (Presentation and discussion of Workshop 2)

2:25 – 2:30

Presentasyon ukol sa Workshop 3 (Briefing for the
Workshop 3)

2:30 – 3:10

Workshop 3:
Paglalatag ng mga napiling hakbangin na ipinapanukalang
maging prayoridad ng gobyerno mga negosyante/
nasa pribadong sektor, at mga mamamayan ayon sa
short-term, medium-term, at long-term

3:10 – 3:45

Workshop 3 (Workshop 3 results presentation and
discussion)

3:45 – 4:15

Buod at pagtutukoy sa mga susunod na gawain (Synthesis
and next steps)

4:15 – 4:45

Pagkakataon para mga kalahok na ianunsyo ang kanilang mga
adbokasiya at aktibidad
Pagtatapos ng Programa
(Pamimigay ng evaluation form at sertipiko ng pagsali)
(Closing of the Program and distribution of evaluation form
and certificate of participation)

4:45 – 5:00

Workshop participants

METRO MANILA TRANSPORT CHALLENGE MAPPING WORKSHOP II
OCTOBER 17, 2013, 8:30AM-5:00PM

SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT
ORGANIZATION

TITLE

LAST NAME

FIRST NAME

COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE
Agad
Samuel

DESIGNATION/ AFFILIATION

Brgy. Manggahan, Pasig City

Mr.


Mr.

Bellaga

Cyrus

Community Representative


Mr.

Morado

Teofilo



Ms.

Pasaylo

Lanie



Ms.

Samson

Jinky



Ms.

Santacera

Gloria



Ms.

Tercias

Mary Rose



Ms.

Whelan

Herminia



Ms.

Tumawan

Amelia



Ms.

Biñas

Rosemarie



Ms.

Santos

Esperanza


Tiklop Society of the Philippines

Mr.


Ms.

Fortuno

Ethel

Hinge Membership Chair


Mr.

Fortuno Jr.

Pio

Founder

LOCAL/ INTL NGO
del castillo
Marlon


Member

Faber Hall Function Room, Ateneo de Manila University | October 17, 2013

OCTOBER 17, 2013, 8:30AM-5:00PM

ORGANIZATION

TITLE

LAST NAME
Hidalgo
Kintanar
Osorio
Rodriguez

FIRST NAME

Tiklop Society of the Philippines/ Environweave
CIOF Foundation Inc.
ANSA
Pathways to Higher Education

Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.

Ged
George
Chad
Ronald

Partnership for Clean Air
Operation Katipunan

Ms.
Ms.

Lyon Couriers
JAM Transport
JAM Transport
JAM Transport
Trip Barker

Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.

University of Pennsylvania

Mr.

UP
Chemistry
ATENEO-UNIID-SEA
ATENEO-UNIID-SEA
ATENEO-UNIID-SEA

Mr.
Ms.
Ms.
Mr.
Ms.

Ayala Land, Inc

Mr.

Ateneo School of Government

Ms.


ATENEO SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT
Dr.
Romero
Segundo Joaquin

ged.hidalgo@gmail.com
Chairman
Contracts Management Specialist
Project Assistant

Segovia
Victoria
Tolentiono
Trina
SUPPLY
de Leon
Rally
Mapili
Rene
Quizon
Geronimo
Fernan
Alejandro
Robosa
Karlo Martin
MEDIA/ ACADEME
Apelar
Jezreel

Executive Director
Executive Director

Garcia
Cep
So
Regina
De Guzman Dana
Tan
Aildrene
Pantoja
Claire
PRIVATE SECTOR
Tan
Salvador

student
Associate Professor
Communication Officer
Research Associate
Project Associate

YOUTH
Gatarin

Gina

Manager
VP for HR/Admin
VP for Engineering
Team Member
Postgrad

Senior Division Manager
Consultant

Program Director


OCTOBER 17, 2013, 8:30AM-5:00PM

ORGANIZATION

TITLE

LAST NAME

FIRST NAME



Dr.

Guillen,

Marie Danielle

Senior Research Associate


Mr.

Cordova

Lorenzo

Research Associate


Ms.

Pineda

Althea Muriel

Project Associate


Ms.

Doble

Creselda

Project Manager


Ms.

Rabe

Cora

Staff


Mr.

Sawyer

Tom

Staff

North Eyes Video Productions

Ms.

Valdez

Joanne

Photo/Video Documenter


Ms.

Valdez

Fatly Brix

Photo/Video Documenter


Mr.

Remolario

Mark

Cameraman


Ms.

Llige

Paola

Cameraman


Mr.

Pedregosa

Ruby

Videographer


ANNEX 3
Copy of presentation
Inclusive Mobility Workshop 2
By Dr. Segundo Joaquin E. Romero Jr.

INCLUSIVE MOBILITY
WORKSHOP 2
October 17, 2013
Faver Hall, Ateneo de Manila University

Objectives of the Workshop
• Desired Impact: Inclusive Mobility – Mobility for all, by all
• Desired Outcome: Inclusive Mobility Network of key transport

stakeholders (users and service providers, government, private sector,
and civil society) organized to advocate and help implement an inclusive
mobility action plan.
• Desired Output: Outline of an Inclusive Mobility Action Plan for

presentation to the MMDA Traffic and Transport Summit in November
2013.
• Activities:
• Review of Previous Workshop Outputs
• Presentation on current issues on mobility in Metro Manila
• Workshop on enablers and barriers to mobility, safety, productivity, and civility in
Metro Manila
• Workshop on what to stop, continue, and start doing to enhance inclusive mobility
• Workshop on strategy diagram for inclusive mobility in Metro Manila, 2013-2019

What is Inclusive Mobility?
A transport system that works
for the poor and the
vulnerable

2.

Moving people, not vehicles

4.

Clean air, clean streets, clean
vehicles and clean facilities

Sharing information to
increase connectivity and
accessibility

8.

Making our neighborhood
more accessible to the rest of
the city

9.

Changing mindsets and
behaviors – the authorities’ as
well as ours

Mobility with safe and civility

5.

Planning and communicating
better and travel less

A walkable, bikeable and
accessible city

3.

6.

7.

1.

10. Mobility of all, for all, by all

Dimensions of Overall Inclusive Mobility
• MOBILITY
• Ability to access remote
destinations at least time and cost
• SAFETY
• Assurance against loss of life, limb,
and property within the transport
system
• PRODUCTIVITY
• Opportunity and conditions for
higher quality and quantity of
goods and services
• CIVILITY
• Order, dignity, respect,
cooperation, and encouraging
social environment

REVIEW OF OUTPUTS OF
PREVIOUS WORKSHOP

In What Capacity Do
You Experience
Transport Conditions in Primary
Secondary
Metro Manila? As … Experience Experience
Bus commuters
8
6
Jeepney commuters
6
16
Pedicab commuters
2
6
Tricycle commuters
8
8
Pedestrians
3
11
Bicycle riders
13
7
Motorcycle riders
1
Tricycle drivers
1
as private vehicle riders
8
9

TOTAL
13
24
7
16
12
17
1
1
18

Train (MRTs and LRTs)
commuters

5

13

19

AUV/FX/GT Express
commuters

5

4

10

Taxi riders
TOTAL

1
59

8
90

9
149

In what capacity do
you experience the
transport conditions
in Metro Manila?
Distribution of
Participants

Perceived Positive Aspects of the Metro
Manila Transport System
• Traffic gives us time to think; you can even write

one book because of the long hours you spend in
traffic
• Presence of waiting sheds that serve as loading

• Jeepneys are unique to the Philippines -- provide

experience that is unique to our culture
• Transport and traffic situation in MM is very

challenging -- everyday is like an obstacle course

and unloading areas
• Presence of MRTS and LRTs which make it

easier for us to travel
• Get to enjoy the murals and the artworks painted

on the walls of Metro Manila
• Ample choices of mode of transportation (bus,

train, jeepney, tricycle, pedicab, etc.) / can even
go bi-modal
• Our tranport system is adoptive to the situation

that it calls for – when there’s flood transpo
system can adjust

• The discount fare for students and senior citizens
• You can witness the different dramas on the road

• Our traffic situation is very exciting -- it's like

bunjee jumping, as if you're always in suspended
animation
• As drivers you can opt to use other modes of

transportation, like motorbikes or bicycles
• There are still courteous and considerate drivers
• THERE'S A PROBLEM BUT THERE IS A

SOLUTION!
• THERE'S STILL HOPE!

Perceived Negative Aspects of the Metro
Manila Transport System
• Our transportation

systems bring about air
pollution that is harmful
to our health and
environment
• Drivers lack discipline

• It is not safe to move

around by bicycle
because of the absence
of bike lane

Ways of Experiencing the Metro Manila Transport System … 1
Ways of Experiencing Metro Manila Roads


Secondary

Bicycle rider

(Only way for 7 cases)

Primary
bus commuter


Bicycle rider



private vehicle driver

bus commuter



pedicab commuter

Bicycle rider




bus commuter



jeepney commuter

Bicycle rider



train commuter

bus commuter

Bicycle rider



jeepney commuter

Bicycle rider





Pedestrian
train commuter







jeepney commuter
pedestrian
tricycle rider
AUV/FX/ GT Express
taxi commuter

bus commuter





train commuter
taxi commuter







tricycle commuter
pedestrian
train commuter
AUV/FX/GT Express
taxi commuter

bus commuter








jeepney commuter
pedestrian
bicycle rider
train commuter
taxi commuter

Secondary

Primary

Bicycle rider

Primary

Secondary
(Only way for 1 case)









Bicycle Rider
Pedestrian
bicycle rider
Bicycle Rider





Bicycle Rider
tricycle commuter







jeepney commuter
train commuter
Pedestrian
train commuter



Primary
jeepney commuter
jeepney commuter
jeepney commuter

jeepney commuter
jeepney commuter
jeepney commuter















Secondary
bus commuter
tricycle commuter
bus commuter
tricycle commuter
pedicab commuter
pedestrian
train commuter
tricycle commuter
AUV/FX/GT Express
taxi commuter
AUV/FX/GT Express
bus commuter

tricycle
tricycle
tricycle
tricycle
tricycle
tricycle
tricycle

Primary
commuter
commuter
commuter
commuter
commuter
commuter
commuter

tricycle commuter












Secondary
Pedestrian
Pedestrian
jeepney commuter
pedicab commuter
jeepney commuter
jeepney commuter
jeepney commuter
pedicab commuter
jeepney commuter

Primary
AUV/FX/GT Express

Secondary

AUV/FX/GT Express












AUV/FX/GT Express
AUV/FX/GT Express

train commuter
taxi commuter
jeepney commuter
train commuter
bus commuter
jeepney commuter
tricycle commuter
pedicab commuter
train commuter
taxi commuter

Primary
train commuter
train commuter
train commuter
train commuter

Secondary

motorcycle driver

Pedestrian

jeepney commuter

jeepney commuter

tricycle commuter

taxi commuter

Primary
Pedestrian
pedestrian
pedestrian

Secondary







bus commuter
jeepney commuter
bus commuter
bicycle rider
train commuter

Primary
pedicab
pedicab

Secondary




jeepney commuter
tricycle commuter
bicycle rider

Primary
Taxi commuter




Secondary
Pedestrian
train commuter

Evaluating Modes of Transport
MODE OF
TRANSPO

MOBILITY

SAFETY

PRODUCTIVITY

CIVILITY

POSITIVE (+)

POSITIVE (+)

NEGATIVE (-)

POSITIVE (+)

NEGATIVE (-)

POSITIVE (+)

NEGATIVE (-)

POSITIVE
CONDITIONS/
FEATURES &
BENEFITS
AUV/FX

NEGATIVE (-)
NEGATIVE
CONDITIONS/
FEATURES

POSITIVE
CONDITIONS/
FEATURES &
BENEFITS

NEGATIVE
CONDITIONS/
FEATURES

POSITIVE
CONDITIONS
/ FEATURES
& BENEFITS

NEGATIVE
CONDITIONS
/ FEATURES

POSITIVE
CONDITIONS/
FEATURES &
BENEFITS

NEGATIVE
CONDITIONS/
FEATURES

comfortable --non-stop trip
(derecho ang
biyahe)

irregular
supply
lacks terminal

old model FX
small space -very
uncomfortable
feels unsafe

Faster travel /
lesser time on
the road

waiting is
longer
because of
long ques
fare is more
expensive
No fare
discounts for
students and
senior citizens

comfortable with airconditioning

uncomfortable not enough
space

ANNEX 4
Copy of presentation
Traffic Hell, An Exit Strategy
by Dr. Marie Danielle V. Guillen

Dean Tony La Viña & Marie Danielle Guillen PhD
Posted in Rappler.com
15 October 2013

Photo Sources
Left: pinoyjourn.wordpress.com
Right: the-jurist.blogspot.com

 Who

Photo Source:
EDD Gumban
Philstar.com

is to be blamed?

People’s productivity losses in traffic is equivalent to:
2 months worth of remittances
1.4% of total Philippine economy


How

do we overcome the
mobility challenges?





80% Metro Manilans takes public transport
13,067 buses in MM
70% provincial buses

EDSA:
 Out of 300K buses, only 1.2% are city buses
 145,800 commuters
 444,600 motorists (ave. 1.5 occupancy level per pv)

MRT:
 540,000 passengers daily








Importance of Travel Survey
Data
Before and after studies
Sustainable transport
planning & mobility
management cycle
“Walk the talk”
Government agencies
mandates

Photo Source:
Bicycleperth.blogspot.com

Build partnerships
 Consider what commuters want
 Consider road geometry rather than debate on
technology
 Seamless connections among different public
transport modes & connecting every community
 Most efficient transit systems focus on frequency,
duration, speed, reliability, and capacity
 Get our act together rather than debate on merits


THOUGHT LEADERS

Our traffic hell, an exit strategy
BY

DEAN TONY LA VIÑA AND DANIELLE GUILLEN, PHD

POSTED ON 10/15/2013 7:21 PM | UPDATED 10/15/2013 7:47 PM

These past two weeks, due to floods or bomb threats, many residents of Metro Manila were
caught in monstrous traffic jams.
Based on social media and radio reports, it is clear that citizens are reaching a breaking point.
The anger is palpable, the blame laid squarely on the government and especially the Metro
Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
It is our sense that we have reached a new low in the transportation crisis in the city and that the
people’s frustration is reaching a new peak. Unfortunately, this will not necessarily translate into
rational and good decisions by government bodies, including local governments.
Take Manila’s ordinance regulating the entry of city and provincial buses — allowing only those
with terminals in Manila, to enter the city. This ordinance has been controversial, with complaints
from both bus operators and commuters accompanying perceived gains in traffic reduction.
Questions have also been raised about the consequences of locating bus terminal hubs in
strategic places in the north and south outskirts of Metro Manila. This is now being implemented
by the MMDA for buses coming from the south, and it has been terrible seeing the chaos in the
terminal during its first weeks of operation. Commuters are not only suffering major
inconveniences but their commuting budgets have also increased considerably.
Indeed, if Metro Manila were a human body, it would be suffering from a terrible disease. It is a
disease that, as of 2011, is costing us P137.5 billion, according to a study made by the UP
National Center for Transportation.
The challenge is how to treat this disease immediately since it can also spell the difference in the
country’s inclusive growth. But can we really say the disease has been properly identified?
Assured destruction
In this piece, we argue that traffic is not the main problem. If this is the lens we use to frame what
we are facing, we are likely to make matters worse. The better approach is to see the challenge

as one of inclusive mobility – that what we need in Metro Manila is a public transportation system
that is affordable and can move people efficiently from their homes to their work places, and to
and from centers of commerce and community life.
We credit Manila and the MMDA for exerting efforts to solve the problem, but we contend that
their approaches are wrong and will lead only to MAD-ness. By MAD, we mean the concept of
Mutually Assured Destruction, a concept popularized in the Cold War when nuclear war was
deterred by the assurance of such destruction.
In the case of our transportation crisis, if this continues, other local governments will retaliate
against Manila, and commuters will defy the rules, and worse, resort to even more colorum
vehicles. Certainly by punishing the commuting public, those who take public transportation will
now resort to private vehicles and just exacerbate traffic and chaos in our streets.
At the end of this think piece, we suggest options that could help us overcome the mobility
challenge, a way out of MAD.
Statistics and the big picture
Available statistics cover mostly the number of buses but seldom the number of passengers
during peak hours. Earlier, Rappler reported that according to the MMDA, there are 13,067
buses running in Metro Manila each day and around 60% (7,368) are from the provinces. If we
used this data and the average reported bus loading capacity of 40.5 passengers (vis-à-vis 60 for
full capacity), this will mean that the current bus system carries 529,213.5 passengers a day.
Other reports also say that EDSA can accommodate only 1,600 bus units daily. If we used the
current bus average loading capacity at 40.5 passengers, this number will conservatively carry
only around 64,000 commuters. However the current reported statistics show that out of the
estimated 300,000 vehicles using EDSA, only 1.2% (or 3,600) are city buses.
The data means that 24-km EDSA carries 145,800 commuters and 444,600 motorists (on
average 1.5 occupancy level per private vehicle) daily.
The MRT is designed to carry around 350,000 passengers but according to estimates, as many
as 540,000 passengers use the MRT daily. Metro Manila has a population of around 12 million
(night time) and 14 million (day time). Given that 80% of this daytime population takes public
transport, then obviously, the current number of buses and train coaches is inadequate. Perhaps
this is one of the reasons why it is very difficult to weed out “colorum” buses.
However, this is not to say that “colorum” buses are good. Anything illegal is always wrong. And
anything that disrupts the smooth flow of traffic, especially those vehicles carrying the most
number of individuals/commuters like buses, is bad.
But we believe it is time to look beyond the obvious. It is time to look at the big picture and learn
to understand what matters most — mobility or the lack of it. At the end of the day, every Metro

Manilan would love to have the option to choose which would be the easiest route, the most
environmentally-friendly, the most socially friendly, or the cheapest one.
Research and the implementation cycle
In the transport sector, one of the most important data to study is the travel survey data which
contain the origin-destination (including transfer points), trip purpose, transport modes, and travel
time used, among others.
In most developed countries like Japan and the US, this kind of survey is already
institutionalized. In the US, it is even being done periodically and the goal is quite clear: to assist
transportation planners and policy makers who need comprehensive data on travel.
In Guangzou, China — winner of the 2011 Sustainable Urban Transport — there were beforeand-after studies (http://www.chinabestpractices.net/) for every project. They tracked down
changes in physical aspects, movement, and how the public feels about them. This then
becomes the basis for further improvement and for communicating information to the public.
In most cities of developed countries, a typical sustainable transport planning and mobility
management cycle includes research (data collection); policy (if new ones or some revisions are
needed); policy/project implementation; evaluation (research again); and improvement. More
importantly, mayors, transport leaders and policy makers “walk the talk.” In other words, they
also use the public transport system and have a feel of the city to guide policy formulation.
Manila is the classic case that uses the cycle of “policy-implementation-evaluation-improvement”
without seriously looking at the number of commuters affected.
The same seems to be true for EDSA.
MMDA has tried so many schemes on EDSA but most of these are related to regulating bus
traffic. In fact, various versions of dispatching schemes have been tried and so far, none have
worked very well.
It is important to note that MMDA is also limited by its mandate where buses are concerned.
There is also the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) which is
tasked to address franchise violations and enforce rules in such a way that bus companies are
encouraged to improve their services.
It would be interesting to know how many of these erring companies were sanctioned, but it’s
also worth knowing how many commuters were directly affected.
On the other hand, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), the agency
mandated to come up with solutions to our mobility needs, has been known to be working on a
number of mass public transport projects.

In particular, it has been working on the acquisition of additional coaches to address the long
overdue capacity expansion of the MRT Line 3. But the MRT Line 3 is considered a light rail
transit that was built along EDSA despite the need for a higher capacity system. There could be
new coaches, there might be improvement in the system, but the reality is, they will never be
enough.
Transport hierarchy
The road-sharing concept supports the belief that the movement of people and things should
follow the simple principle, “those who have less in wheels must have more in roads.” This is
incorporated in the Philippine Environmentally Sustainable Transport Framework (DOTC 2011).
According to the report, the system should favor non-motorized locomotion and collective
transportation systems.
As most transport scientists will attest, it is important to take note of this transport hierarchy:
pedestrian, cyclist, mass public transport (trains like PNR or Philippine National Railways, MRT,
LRTs, bus, and paratransit modes like PUJs, FXs), then private vehicles in that order.
Any roads built should prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and mass public transport first. It is
important to realize that only when we move the majority of people instead of vehicles can we
effectively decongest our roads.
There is a need to also learn the lessons from abroad on how this concept is effectively applied
using various innovations in improving bus systems or implementing bus rapid transit (BRT)
systems. For instance, one can learn from the experience of Rochester-Genesee Regional
Transportation Authority in the US, wherein officials secured partnerships with the community
once the bus services improved.
They had partnerships with college campuses, shopping centers, apartment complexes, and
then asked them to pay for the better service. With a number of school campuses and growing
Central Business Districts (CBDs) in Metro Manila, such partnerships are certainly worth
considering.
There are instances that a city decides to enhance transit in a densely populated corridor or build
an entirely new system for the metro region and more often than not BRTs and LRTs are
considered. The two have many similarities, including (when done properly) exclusive lanes and
attractive stations.
BRT proponents often highlight the price, while LRT proponents usually point to capacity and
style asmarketing points. BRT as a comprehensive transport choice is best seen in Curitiba,
Brazil, Bogota, Columbia, Guangzhou, and the People’s Republic of China, among others.
What’s best

At the end of the day, it is best to consider what the commuters want, as well as to learn from
past mistakes and from international models. The motorists may want speed, but for commuters
it is the frequency of available modes of transportation.
Rather than debate on the technology, it is best to consider road geometry. Instead of focusing
on direct service, there should be more seamless connections among the different public
transport modes available, which, in turn, are connected to every community.
Jarret Walker summarizes it well in his book, “Human Transit,” which says that most efficient
transit systems focus on frequency, duration, speed, reliability, and capacity.
The implementation of the bus ban and integrated bus terminal in Manila has created ripple
effects on the rest of the metropolis. But rather than debate on its merits, we should get our act
together and start having truly inclusive mobility. – Rappler.com

http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/41439-traffic-hell-exit-strategy

MM Inclusive Mobility Workshop Executive Summary

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (20)

Similar to MM Inclusive Mobility Workshop Executive Summary

Similar to MM Inclusive Mobility Workshop Executive Summary (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

MM Inclusive Mobility Workshop Executive Summary