THE most livable cities globally are those that have ample and reliable public transportation. Because attractive options for travel are available — including walking, cycling and public transportation — most owners of cars and motorcycles leave their vehicles at home. In the Philippines, the insufficiency and unreliability of public transportation and the lack of good quality walking and biking paths push Filipinos toward a dependency on using a private motor vehicle.
With worsening traffic congestion, one of the sectors under serious threat is the public transport industry. Operators of buses, jeepneys and UV Express not only face rising operating costs, stagnant fares and deficient public infrastructure, they also face diminishing ridership because road congestion is worsening. With slower travel speeds, transport operators record fewer round trips, fewer passengers, higher fuel costs and longer working hours. This is not sustainable.
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