Ambitious bill attempts to give back to Filipino commuters their dignity

A new bill seeking to dramatically shift the use of the country’s roads in favor of public transport services has been filed.

Senate Bill No. 775, or “The Dignity in Commuting Act,” proposed a wide range of reforms to improve public transport safety, convenience and access as well as to promote “active transport,” which covers activities such as walking and biking.

“Current road and mobility infrastructure does not promote the use of public transportation services and active transport,” read a portion of the bill, introduced by Sen. Francis Pangilinan in collaboration with transport advocacy group AltMobility.

According to the bill, commuters and users of active transport comprise 70 percent of total trips in Metro Manila but are only given 20 percent of road space. It said the vast majority was skewed toward private vehicles.

“This bill seeks to recognize, guarantee, and enforce the right of each person, especially commuters who rely on public transportation services and active transport in their daily lives, to travel safely, conveniently, reliably, affordably and with dignity,” Pangilinan noted in the bill.

Among its key measures is cutting down waiting times at stops and public terminals to no more than 10 minutes “even during peak demand periods.” It said commuting over a 15-kilometer distance—roughly a trip between Quezon City and Makati City—should take no more than one hour, including all scheduled stops.

The bill also calls for a public transport terminal or stops to be located within 500 meters from any residence or activity center. The said facilities should also be well-maintained, secure and be located within 300 meters from another stop or terminal “to promote seamless connectivity.”

Public transport operators and their facilities should also be equipped or designed to accommodate all individuals with disabilities or special needs.

To monitor the provisions under the law, the law calls for the creation of a National Office of Commuter Affairs under the Department of Transportation.

The bill also calls for significant changes in the way roads are designed. It said thoroughfares with a speed limit of over 20 kilometers per hour (kph) but under 60 kph should have sidewalks of at least 2.5 meters wide in each direction.

Larger roads with a speed limit of over 60 kph must have dedicated lanes wide enough for “at least two bikes.”

The law also wants compensation for passengers in the event of so-called service breakdowns. This includes full fare refunds and assistance to passengers in reaching their final destination. For breakdowns lasting more than an hour, passengers should be given food, water, ventilation and access to waiting areas and bathrooms.

Penalties for transport operators or individuals violating the law’s provisions will face fines from P100,000 to P500,000. Operators could also have their franchises suspended for repeated violations.