In the Philippines, the management of public transportation is primarily carried out by private operators under franchises issued by the government, with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) acting as the principal regulatory authority. This market-oriented approach has resulted in various challenges, including unsafe competition among drivers, disruptions in service during periods of low demand, and the pervasive use of vehicles that contribute to pollution. The services provided are frequently inadequate and unpredictable, particularly during peak hours, thereby highlighting the inefficiencies inherent in the current system.
There is a growing call for a paradigm shift that views public transport as a fundamental necessity and public service, with an emphasis on prioritizing the interests of commuters. Inadequate transportation services obstruct Filipinos from accessing employment, markets, and essential services, thereby impinging upon their basic rights and freedoms. Policymaking in this sector must strike a balance among the interests of governmental bodies, private operators, and transport service providers, ensuring that commuters remain the focal point of decision-making processes.
Local government units (LGUs) are being urged to assume a more significant role in providing safe, reliable, and affordable public transportation. This appeal coincides with an anticipated devolution of public transport services to LGUs. Several models have been proposed to illustrate how LGUs can take a more proactive stance in the provision of public transport services:
- LGU-Operated Services: In this model, LGUs either own and manage their own fleet or outsource operations to third-party providers. They may also obtain agreements or special permits from the LTFRB to facilitate fare collection. Notable examples include the free shuttle services in Makati City and the Bus Program in Quezon City, both of which operated without fare collection. A more sustainable exemplar is the Clark Loop Program, wherein the Clark Development Corporation owns and manages a fleet while collecting fares under an LTFRB permit.
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for Transport Operations: In this framework, LGUs collaborate with private enterprises to manage public transport services on designated routes. The assets and franchise rights may be held jointly through a joint venture or exclusively by private entities. A pertinent example is the Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system in Cavite, developed in partnership with private developers. Similarly, the proposed electric bus rapid transit system in Iloilo City adheres to this model.
- Fare Collection Oversight: This approach involves the LGU managing fare collection without directly operating public transport services, potentially utilizing an automatic fare collection system. Alternatively, the LGU may establish a PPP with a private company, which would then enter into a service contract with existing transport service providers and manage fare collection centrally. Baguio City’s Smart Urban Mobility Project (SUMP) exemplifies this model by integrating service contracting, fare automation, and congestion charging to enhance operational efficiency and accountability while mitigating traffic congestion.
While these models present viable pathways for reform, they may encounter opposition from transport service providers who fear that LGUs will become competitors or disrupt established operations. To address these concerns, social assistance programs, akin to those implemented in the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, may be instituted to support displaced operators.
The shortcomings of the current system emphasize the necessity for increased local government involvement in public transportation. By embracing alternative models, LGUs can elevate public transport to a dignified service that adequately addresses the needs of all commuters. The time has arrived to reassess the role of LGUs in fostering a more sustainable and equitable transportation future.
Find the latest supply chain report news at The Supply Chain Report. For international trade tools, see ADAMftd.com.
#PublicTransportPhilippines #SustainableTransitPH #CommuterFirstPH #LGUTransportationReform #ClarkLoopProgram #MakatiShuttleService #QuezonCityBusProgram #CaviteCBRT #IloiloEbusProject #BaguioSmartMobility #DavaoTransportModernization #LTFRB #PublicPrivatePartnerships #SafeTransitPH #AffordableTransportPH #GreenMobilityPH #UrbanMobilityReform #CommuterRightsPH #PhilippineTransitPolicy #PublicServiceTransport
