Transport advocacy group to solons: Focus on commuter experience not travel time

MANILA, Philippines — A transport advocacy group on Tuesday called on lawmakers to focus on commuters’ experience and not on the problems on travel time.

During the Senate inquiry into the implementation of provincial bus ban, Jedd Ugay of AltMobilityPH stressed that commuters’ welfare should be prioritized. He proposed that commuters should be given enough transportation options as well as dignified roads.

These proposals were also present in the bills they filed at the Senate and House of Representatives in coordination with Sens. Grace Poe and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Rep. Allan Benedict Reyes (Quezon City, Third District).

READ: Commuter-centered traffic management planning pushed | House bill seeks to make commuter needs a 'paramount concern' in transport policy

Ugay said vehicle travel time is just “one side of the picture,” making it just a short term policy.

“Kaya po naming sinasabi na mas long term ang i-prioritize sa metrics is the commuting experience, dahil ‘pag na-entice ang maraming tao na mag-commute, dahil mas mabiis mas komportable, mas maganda ang commuting experience, e di mas konti ang tao na gusto magdala ng saksayan,” Ugay said.

“That would be a more effective way to reduce traffic congestion and improve commuters' experience for everyone as a long term vision,” he added.