Better commuters’ lives by next SONA?
ROBERT SIY
In Monday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Duterte reiterated his promise of a more comfortable life for all Filipinos. He underscored his obligation to work towards the “greatest good, for the greatest number.”
Sadly, there was no mention in his speech of any relief for millions of commuters who endure unreliable, inadequate and unsafe public transport services. Can they expect an improvement in their commuting experience before the next SONA or perhaps by 2022?
In the first two years of this administration, the government’s transportation managers focused on longer-term infrastructure investments under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program. They worked very hard on important “legacy” projects that will transform the economic landscape and deliver huge benefits for generations to come. They deserve our congratulations and appreciation for moving forward on these “big ticket” initiatives.
Because these large projects have longer gestation periods, they were prioritized so that results can be reaped sooner by all. Still, the benefits of most of the long-term projects will come only in the next administration. The major inter-provincial railway projects, and the Metro Manila Subway, are good examples of legacy projects that will require seven to 10 years or more to complete.
What about the President’s promise to give a comfortable life for all within this administration? When will today’s suffering commuters get relief? How soon will they experience shorter travel times and more convenient journey?
It’s time for the government to work on “low-hanging fruit” so that lives are changed in the next three years and the “greatest good for the greatest number” is achieved. Here are eleven concrete actions that can deliver meaningful and sustained improvement for millions of commuters before the end of this administration (with key actors identified in parentheses).
1. Lift number coding of public transport vehicles (MMDA, LGUs) — At rush hour every day, public transport is seriously inadequate. An additional 25 percent supply would be released with the lifting of number coding for public transport. There would be huge benefits for millions of commuters without much additional cost. By removing number coding of public transport, the government will serve, borrowing the words of the President, “the interests of the many, not just the wealthy few”.
2. Implement bus rapid transit (BRT) (DOTr; LGUs) — To alleviate traffic congestion, public transport should be high quality and plentiful. Rail development is urgently needed. But rail development alone can provide only a limited share of the high-quality mass transit needed. BRT will help fill the large gap in high quality mass transit, enabling buses to have fast and predictable travel times. There will be modern vehicles, and a new business model (bus operators paid for the number of kilometers served instead of ridership) in line with international best practice. BRT will deliver significant benefits for commuters even on congested roads. BRT can be implemented within three years.
3. Remove obstructions on sidewalks, including illegally parked vehicles and ensure safe and accessible “last mile” travel (DPWH; MMDA; LGUs)—In many parts of the city, public infrastructure is illegally appropriated by private individuals for parking, for commercial space, or for other purposes. Many sidewalks are inaccessible for elderly and persons with disabilities. Clearing these mobility impediments and ensuring “last mile” access will encourage walking, public transport use and healthier lifestyles.
4. All cities to adopt no-contact, camera-based apprehension of traffic rule and parking violators (MMDA; LTO; LGUs) — Driver behavior and compliance with traffic rules and parking regulations will improve with scaling-up of the camera-based, no-contact apprehension system which is already implemented successfully on a pilot basis by MMDA and ready for expansion. It will also enable citizens to participate by submitting photos or videos of traffic rule violators and illegally parked vehicles around the city. Fines collected will provide additional source of revenue for LGUs.
5. Liberalize franchising of inter-provincial bus routes (DOTr; LTFRB) — A liberalized market for inter-provincial bus routes can benefit passengers as we have observed in the case of the domestic airline and marine transport sectors. Additional operators on provincial routes will reduce waiting time and offer more options for commuters. As long as franchise applicants meet minimum qualification requirements and comply with specifications for proper buses and off-street terminals, more competition on inter-provincial routes will give riders a better deal.
6. Eliminate “parking minimums” in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the National Building Code and institute sound parking policies in cities (DPWH)–Minimum parking space requirements in buildings, linked to floor area or building purpose, promote car use in congested urban areas and raise building costs. These minimum parking space requirements, which are contained in the IRR of the National Building Code, are not required under the Code itself. Because “parking minimums” are unnecessary, inflate building costs, and contribute to traffic congestion, they should be removed from the National Building Code IRR. In addition, a tax on non-residential parking spaces in cities can promote a shift to public transport, support sustainable mobility options, and help finance public transport improvement.
7. On congested tollways and expressways, provide a dedicated lane for buses. At tollgates, the lane for buses should be “barrier-free” to enable buses to pass through without stopping (DOTr; TRB) — Faster travel times can be achieved by buses on tollways by providing a dedicated lane for buses that is “barrier-free”. Tollway operators can organize appropriate payment arrangements (for example, bus operators could maintain a deposit to cover toll fees and replenish the fund regularly). The tolls to be paid by each operator could be reckoned using a combination of camera-based vehicle plate recognition and RFID readers, so that buses can move through the tollgates without stopping.
8. Create networks of greenways and bikeways to promote non-motorized and “active transport” modes (DOTr; MMDA; DPWH; LGUs) — A comprehensive approach to mobility should cover non-motorized transport infrastructure and “last mile” accessibility. Networks of safe walking and cycling infrastructure are among the most pro-poor, easy-to-implement, and cost-effective transport investments a city can make. Walkable cities also have significant health benefits for all age groups and economic segments.
9. Prioritize the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program and ensure adequate financial support for transport operators to replace old, unsafe and high-pollution units (DOTr; LTFRB; banks) — PUV Modernization will have a huge positive impact nationally. It will reduce pollution, introduce safer and higher capacity vehicles, and reform the business model in the industry. The financing needed to replace about 200,000 old jeepneys nationwide with buses, mini-buses and jeepney-equivalent vehicles is over P400 billion. The resources of government banks (DBP and Landbank) will not be sufficient to meet this funding requirement. Private financing companies and banks need to participate. There should be a review of the current level of “equity subsidy” given to the owner of a jeepney for agreeing to surrender the old jeepney unit. Currently, when the old vehicle is surrendered, the owner is offered a credit of P80,000 to be applied towards the purchase of a new jeepney-equivalent vehicle. With the increase in vehicle prices due to peso depreciation, as well as likely interest rate increases (following rising inflation), it’s time to reassess government’s financial support for PUV Modernization.
10. Establish Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) (DOTr; LTFRB; MMDA; LGUs) — Information technology (IT)-based management and monitoring of public transport is key to delivering high quality transport services. The common features of ITS are: (a) GPS tracking of all public transport vehicles, (b) control center to monitor and coordinate public transport services, (c) real time information sharing with commuters and transport operators, and (d) integrated area-wide traffic signal control. These features enable transport planners and regulators to understand travel demand and the adequacy and quality of services delivered — an aspect which is missing today. IT can make public transport more convenient and predictable. Transport services can also become more efficient and client-oriented with enhanced coordination of vehicles and traffic signals.
11. Create the regulatory framework for integrated and interoperable automatic fare collection systems (DOTr; LTFRB; DICT; BSP)–Automatic fare collection (AFC) is a part of every modern public transport system, with benefits for planners, regulators, operators and commuters. To create an integrated and interoperable AFC system, DOTr should establish an industry-wide regulatory body, develop national standards and business rules that will ensure interoperability, and create a national transit data center that will capture, process and share relevant AFC data with stakeholders.
Each of the eleven action items will lead to better life for Filipinos and deliver concrete results within the Duterte administration. And there will be more accomplishments to report by the next SONA.
Robert Y. Siy is a development economist, city and regional planner, and public transport advocate. He can be reached at mobilitymatters.ph@yahoo.com or followed on Twitter @RobertRsiy
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