Group urges gov’t to fast-track bike lane, pedestrian walkway projects

The Move As One Coalition urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to prioritize completing short-term projects like bike lanes and pedestrian walkways to ease travel for millions of commuters.

The group, composed of about 150 NGOs and individuals, is pushing for a ₱3-billion annual budget for active transport, citing that it can deliver faster and more inclusive benefits than large-scale rail projects such as the ₱873.6-billion North-South Commuter Railway and the ₱488.5-billion Metro Manila Subway, both set for completion by 2032.

Although the DOTr’s proposed ₱69.38-million active transport budget was increased by ₱250 million, coalition co-convenor Robert Siy said more funding is needed as more Filipinos now prefer walking or biking for short trips. TRACY CABRERA