Better commuters’ lives by next SONA?

operators paid for the number of kilometers served instead of ridership) in line with international best practice. BRT will deliver

- ers 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

(MMDA; LTO; LGUs) — Driver behavior and compliance with

- tions 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

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

- served 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 quali-

- es 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

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

- tion, they should be removed from the National Building Code IRR. In addition, a tax on nonresidential parking spaces in cities can promote a shift to public transport, support sustainable mobility

transport improvement.

7. On congested tollways and expressways, provide a dedicated lane for buses. At tollgates, the lane for buses should be “barrierfree” 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 nonmotorized 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

and economic segments.

9. Prioritize the Public Utility Vehicle ( PUV) Modernization Program and ensure adequate

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

needed to replace about 200,000 old jeepneys nationwide with buses, mini-buses and jeepneyequivalent vehicles is over P400 billion. The resources of government banks (DBP and Landbank)

funding requirement.

Private

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 (fol-

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

- tures 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

with enhanced coordination of

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.

RobertY.Siyisadevelopment economist,cityandregionalplanner, Hecanbereachedatmobilitymatters. onTwitter@RobertRsiy