I WAS recently struck by a social media post of a foreigner, in which he described our transport system in four words: “What an absolute mess!”
The Philippines’ public transport system is, without a doubt, a failed one. Yet, the government chooses to repeat the same mistakes due to poor planning, weak strategies, and the opposition of strong lobby interests — public utility vehicle (PUV) organizations, transport operators and corrupt bureaucrats. The truth may hurt, but everything that is wrong in the country might be reflected in our public transport system.
Let us start with jeepneys, which are inefficient, polluting and truly unsafe modes of transport. Unlike mass train systems, jeepneys are limited in occupancy, are mostly rundown, and lack economies of scale. They were relics of the United States military jeeps abandoned in the country after World War II, which enterprising Filipinos fabricated into passenger vehicles. Today, many of these still run on diesel engines, which are increasingly expensive due to the Middle East war and emit deadly carbon emissions detrimental to both the environment and public health.
Next are the pesky tricycles — our version of Thailand’s “tuk-tuks” — that dart and snake through congested streets. Tricycles often cause bottlenecks and slowdowns, as they weave through traffic not only on inner roads but also on major highways. Designed with a sidecar, many are still run with two-stroke engines, which contribute to higher pollution levels and health concerns. Also, tricycles tend to make people lethargic and overdependent on short rides, instead of walking a few kilometers for health benefits.
Transport network vehicle services (TNVS) vehicles and motorcycles, such as those used by Grab, Joyride, Angkas or Maxim, were supposed to ease commuters’ burden by reducing search costs for public transportation. They were expected to be cost-effective, safer and more convenient. In reality, however, complaints are increasing on nontransparent algorithms, sudden fare surges during rush hours, and booking cancellations by drivers seeking higher payouts and to avoid traffic. While many drivers are reliable, there have been reports of abuses, such as rudeness and reckless behavior, as well as crimes committed against passengers
“Colorum” vans and other Asian utility vehicles (AUVs) continue to operate, posing real risks to commuters since they are uninsured and not covered with public franchises. Many take illegal routes, and some drivers are not even licensed professionals. Buses, on one hand, remained unreliable due to carriage shortages, even on the EDSA bus carousel, while they struggled to accommodate long lines of commuters.
In the wake of the surging fuel prices, road traffic has somewhat eased with fewer vehicles on the road. However, Filipinos in Metro Manila are finding it more difficult to travel to work or school, and fulfill other commitments. Yet, this fuel crisis presents the national government a rare opportunity to finally complete essential reforms in the transport sector.
First, the modernization of PUVs must be finished before fuel prices stabilize and become affordable again. This is the best option to finally put the proverbial nail in the coffin of obsolete jeepneys, which the previous administration failed to do during the Covid-19 pandemic. Second, the shift of tricycles from two-stroke engines to electricity is timely, given the rising cost of fuel. In many areas, local governments have begun transitioning to e-tricycles. Third, all TNVS operators must be regulated and registered with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. Reports indicated that thousands of TNVS motorcycle riders operate outside official app platforms, adding to the road congestion and blatantly violating traffic rules. Finally, colorum AUVs must be identified and apprehended, with their vehicles seized to protect commuters and prevent accidents.
In addition, the Department of Public Works and Highways must take advantage of reduced traffic volume to fast-track EDSA’s rehabilitation and other major roads. Rivers, “esteros” and drainage systems must also be cleared of garbage and solid waste to prevent flooding during rains, while informal settlers are relocated to safer grounds. As for bicycles, their presence on heavily congested roads must be restricted, as they occupy space in already limited capacity.
The public road transport system remains messy. For decades, the national government has been inconsistent in implementing painful but necessary reforms. The measures were often halfhearted, temporary and withdrawn under pressure from interest groups and their political backers. As usual, the response was to create new bureaucracies rather than address the root of the problem.
But in every crisis lies an opportunity. We have a chance to implement sweeping reforms in the public transport sector during the current oil crisis to dismantle a failed model and introduce new innovations that Filipinos — who are fed up with a disorderly and inefficient system — would willingly embrace.
