Group to govt: Stop building ‘car-centric’ infrastructure

THE Move As One Coalition has called on the Metro Manila Development Authority ( MMDA), the Department of Public Works and Highways ( DPWH), and the Department of Transportation ( DOTR) to stop building “substandard and car- centric infrastructure,” which they claim is a “waste of taxpayer money and a violation of the rights of vulnerable road users.”

In a statement, timed to coincide with the State of the Nation Address (Sona) and National Disability Rights Week, the coalition voiced concerns over the poor quality of infrastructure that fail to serve persons with disabilities (PWDS) and other vulnerable groups.

For instance, the coalition pointed to the controversial Edsa- Philam Busway Station, which had steeper slopes than what is mandated for the use of PWDS.

“Taxpayer money has already been wasted and laws were violated when a non- compliant and unsafe ramp design was authorized,” the coalition said.

Move As One said it demands accountability from those responsible and urges immediate action to provide adequate PWD facilities at all stations.

They also expressed concerns over the DOTR’S plan to seek an additional P200 million for installing elevators at Edsa busway stations, citing the poor maintenance of existing elevators in train stations as a warning sign.

The coalition criticizes the government’s focus on car- centric projects like the PWD ramp and footbridges to the Edsa busway, which, they said, prioritize vehicular flow over pedestrian safety and accessibility.

“Car- centric infrastructure is fundamentally unjust in a country where only 6 percent of Filipinos own private cars. The supermajority, 94 percent, including PWDS, take public transit, walk, or ride bicycles or light electric vehicles. This supermajority is among the most vulnerable in a road crash,” Move As One said.

Move As One called for a more “inclusive” approach to infrastructure planning, involving PWDS and regular commuters in the consultation process.

It also advocated for the expertise of institutions like the National Council on Disability Affairs and the UP National Center for Transportation Studies to be tapped in decision- making.