DOTr outlines modernization program post-quarantine

MANILA: What will the "new normal" look like for commuters once the quarantine has been lifted by the IATF-MEID (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases)? The DOTr (Department of Transportation) gives us a peek.

Using technology and sustainability as its foundation, the changes are not only aimed at reducing disease transmission but also to revolutionize public transportation to increase efficiency and reliability while making it safer and more environmentally friendly.

The DOTr, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, and the Department of Public Works and Highways are drafting a Joint Administrative Order for guidelines on the use and promotion of public transport during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below are the several of the measures, policies, and projects being considered to modernize the country’s transportation systems:

Consolidate PUV (public utility vehicle) operators and rationalize routes

Reduce the number of operators for consolidation for economies of scale, and shorten routes to prevent overlapping and to gain more load factor per trip.

Create dedicated lanes for PUVs

Provide dedicated lanes for PUBs (public utility buses) to form a system where they can do a quick but safe and reliable turn-around.

Implement online transactions and online payments.

The following agencies are tasked with modernizing to facilitate online transactions and a cashless payment system:

Land Transportation Office (LTO)

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)

Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC)

Toll Regulatory Board (TRB)

OTC (over the counter) required seminars to be done via telecom / webinars

Door-to-door deliver of driver’s licenses and permits

Reduce chance of pilferage with AFCS (automatic fare collection system)

Data collected through the AFCS can help operators and policymakers improve the efficiency of public transport services

GNSS/GPS monitoring of fleet

Make the installation and use of GPS (global positioning system) and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) mandatory. This will allow commuters to monitor the time of arrival of the bus Operators and the government regulator will be able to track driver behavior and trips made, kilometer run of the buses, and see how many are running

Online seat booking

Allow commuters to book their rides in advance.

Reduce need to fall in-line in terminals

E-toll collection technology

Faster queuing time at tollbooths

Require companies and schools to provide of shuttle services

All government agencies will be asked to provide shuttle services for their respective employees, with companies hopefully to follow suit

Schools will also be required to provide school service for their students

Promote use of bicycles, non-motorized transport

The DOTr is tasked to encourage the use of bicycles and non-motorized transport. LGUs are also mandated to develop more facilities to make biking safer and craft ordinances to encourage biking, requiring bike racks, lockers, among others

Photos from the Department of Transportation and Pasig City

Also read: DOTr lays down public transportation regulations for GCQ areas