We've explained the initiative here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/metro-manila/everything-you-need-to-know-rappler-quezon-city-tomas-morato-virtual-public-consultation/

Hello! This is Micha from Caloocan. We in the Northern part of our city have been bothered by the recent news in multiple occassions of pedestrians and cyclists, most especially children, involved in road accidents. Thus, we have made an open letter to Mayor Malapitan to address the issue. Hoping we can also have you signed here to call for support 🥺 https://docs.google.com/document/d/13Tf9JdSassqDeva6kAresXpm0yrKenWhQJqnGNf44oM/edit?usp=sharing thank you!

Good morning! Remember QC's "right to care" card? @here

We asked those who were in charge of the creation and implementation of the program on how the card is doing one year after its launch. One year after QC successfully launched the program, bringing the “right to care” card to as many residents as possible and getting other cities to adopt it have become a challenge.

Read more here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/metro-manila/next-steps-right-care-card-quezon-city/

Have you heard about the new bike lanes and walkways in the Walled City of Intramuros? Here are our stories about the launch last week and what active transport advocates think about the DOTr and Intramuros Admin project @here

Our top story this morning takes a closer look at the jeepney modernization program, a gut issue President Marcos put his foot down on. After two years in office, this is the biggest transport issue decision he’s made so far. What’s next for this program and what are your thoughts on how it’s being implemented? @here

https://www.rappler.com/business/marcos-jeepney-consolidation-successful-what-next/

What is the real benefit of this jeepney "modernization" program to the riding public? Can anyone explain it in a few sentences?

Hi @Galileo ! Offhand, what we know is the announced goal of the jeepney modernization program is to standardize safer and more fuel-efficient jeepneys nationwide. Another goal is to make the jeepney route system more efficient by consolidating jeepney operators and their routes. But the issue is very complicated because various groups do not agree on the ways this is being implemented and the amount of support given to jeepney operators. We have explainers, opinion pieces, and analysis that can help you learn more about the issue! This page on our site collates all of our articles on the matter: https://www.rappler.com/topic/public-transportation/

Does your city have a museum? Sharing with you a data story about the local government units who have museums and why this matters. It was written by our researcher Lorenz Pasion. How do museums make our cities and towns more liveable? Why does local history matter? @here


https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/why-museums-each-local-government-unit-important/

unfortunately, we in Calamba City do not have an LGU museum. :( I dont think it is a priority sa LGU namin since we have Rizal shrine na naman tapos the tourist attraction that we have are hot springs, nothing on the historical or cultural aspect.

Community chat alert! We'll have a live chat about CONGESTION FEES and whether or not they are the solution to traffic and public transportation woes in Philippine cities. Catch it tomorrow, July 11, at 4 pm. Our guests are from Baguio City Hall, MPT Mobility, and an inclusive transportation advocate. Chat with you soon! @here

Hello everyone! In 10 minutes, we'll start our live chat on whether or not it's time for CONGESTION PRICING in certain Philippine cities. Excited to hear from our resource persons @francislc @Mark Richmund and @timvargas! See you in a few minutes! @here

Looking forward.

Welcome to our live chat about congestion pricing in Philippine cities @here ! I am super excited for this discussion because as a commuter AND driver, I think this kind of policy proposal poses interesting questions about our transport system. It's a timely discussion because we know of one city seriously considering a congestion pricing scheme, the summer capital of Baguio City, which now faces traffic jams in its busiest districts, including the famous Session Road. We know of places like Singapore, London, and Stockholm finding both success and challenges with their congestion pricing scheme. Is this kind of scheme fitting for Philippine cities? Something we hope to discuss in this live chat.

Good Afternoon Pia, Rappler Team, and the whole livable cities community 😀

Hello!!!

Hello!

Hi!

👍🏻

Hello and good afternoon

Also, feel free to message in a language you're comfortable! Very casual lang itong discussion, pwedeng Taglish or whatever

As a sustainable mobility advocate, im very eager to see congestion pricing succeed. We needed it yesterday. And we already know so many situations where it can deliver significant benefits.

Okay! So I'm really curious @francislc . What made Baguio City, esp Mayor Magalong, even consider congestion pricing in the first place?

Initially, the process began with unsolicited proposals. To ensure transparency, we are now conducting a public consultation about this scheme.

I see! What's the feedback been so far. What are the pro-congestion pricing side saying, how about those opposed? @francislc

In every project, there are always supporters and detractors. Now that we are involving the public and providing more information, more people are interested in understanding the details of the project.

Hi everyone!

For @Mark Richmund naman, MPT Mobility is the innovation arm of MPTC, the main proponent of the private public partnership with Baguio City in its smart urban mobility project. You're promising transportation management systems that could include congestion pricing. In your proposal for Baguio, how will the congestion pricing scheme be implemented? Is it an automated system with gantries, cameras like in Stockholm, numbered stickers on windshields of cars like in Singapore?

interested to know about the general policies or rules that will be implemented

The proposal considers the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) System where cameras capture vehicle license plates to identify vehicles.

Hi! I have a question. Isn't it counterintuitive to implement a congestion scheme for just Baguio, when the traffic problem is intertwined with that of the city's neighboring towns? While I do get that yes, they are of different LGUs, doesn't it make more sense to look at it at a bigger scale through the BLISTT, similar to how the MMDA operates in Manila?

Perhaps @francislc can answer Nash?

This system is simliar to what is being implemented in London, Stockholm and Milan. They are using ANPR. Singapore is using DSRC (transponder devices)

Have there been any updates on how much the congestion fee will be and how often it will be charged on vehicle owners? @Mark Richmund I've been hearing P250. Is that still the case? For @Tim Vargas and others here, what's a good price for a congestion fee. From what I've read, there's a sweet spot here. Not too low that it doesn't change behavior, but not too high that it takes away support from the program as a whole.

The LISTT is interested in this smart urban mobility project. While we are currently unable to implement it on a larger scale, this initiative could serve as a starting point, potentially leading to LISTT adopting and expanding it in the near future.

To give an example din, in London, the congestion fee is £15 daily charge from Monday-Friday, 7 am to 6 pm, and Sat-Sun 12 nn to 6 pm

For a person like me who sticks and treats car ownership as a privilege. The main purpose of congestion charging is to deter usage during peak hours. The higher the more effective the deterence

Palagay mo @Tim Vargas and others present, is P250 a good congestion fee price? Too low too high? What would you suggest? What factors should be considered in determine the rates of these congestion fees?

Too low for tourist. In boracay they charge 150 per head for environmental fee

Yes, currently there is no environmental fee in Baguio City.

MPTC conducted willingness to pay surveys from around 800 motorists. The survey showed that with a mobility fee of PHP250 charged per entry into the CBD, 20% of motorists would opt to change their travel behavior, by either using public transport or defer their trip to a non-peak hour. For reference, with the current congestion levels of Baguio, we are targetting at least 20% reduction in terms of vehicle traffic during peak hour. Although we cannot divulge the exact amount of the proposal, due to confidentiality nature of the unsol proposal, it is below 250 pesos for private cars.

I think it is fair. Would rather pay than waste time in traffic

That's really interesting! Around 20% din yung reduction in congestion in the cities that currently have a congestion pricing scheme. It's interesting that based on the survey you're citing, one-fifth of motorists would be deterred from traveling during peak hours

As part of our proposal only considers peak hour period implementation from 7am to 9am and 4:30 to 6:30pm. It is not the whole day. Motorists can look for a window period to travel.

Ah yes, similar to other cities.

Agree. last time I was there. Grabe 1 kilometer took us almost 10minutes. I dont enjoy opening the car windows kasi instead of pine tree scent, I smell car tail pipes

My next question for @francislc is, a lot of urban planning experts think congestion pricing has to be accompanied by investments in public transportation. Or else, we'd only be punishing people who just want to get from point A to B but have no choice but to use a car because the transportation system does not provide viable and convenient alternatives. May plan ba ang Baguio for public transportation improvements? What's the timeline for this, if the congestion pricing scheme pushes through?

And people in Metro Manila are also used to having the color coding schemes- where there would be window periods. Office workers would just spend some extra time in the office or do gimiks and wait for coding period to end.

And @Mark Richmund if you could share MPT Mobility's plan, if you have one, on tying up the congestion pricing scheme with improvements to public transportation, would be great

Agree. this equates to additional spending. the other reality is they buy a 2nd car for coding purposes. which is more expensive

The proposal MPTC submitted to Baguio City is a holistic approach in tackling congestion. The implementation of congestion charging is just one component of the masterplan.

That's a great point. Addressing congestion requires a comprehensive approach that includes improvements in public transportation. In Baguio City, we are already taking significant steps towards this. There is currently a PPP project for the Intermodal Transport Terminal, which will greatly enhance our public transportation infrastructure. Additionally, we have projects in place to create multiple smart multilevel parking buildings across the city. These initiatives are part of the LGU's broader strategy to address transportation holistically.

We recognize the importance of providing viable and convenient alternatives to private car use. Therefore, alongside these projects, we are continually exploring and planning further improvements to our public transportation system. While specific timelines are still being refined, the congestion pricing scheme will be closely aligned with the implementation of these public transportation enhancements to ensure that residents have better transit options.

As part of the holistic approach, revenues of congestion charging will support the other components of the system which include: 

-Improvement to public transport management thru the use of GPS devices, fleet management and dispatching systems, and infrastructure including new PUV waiting sheds with digital information displays 

-Improvement to traffic management with use of sensors/cameras, smart traffic signals and emergency response systems 

 and traffic management infrastructure, 

-Introduction of a central parking manage system and infrastructure to efficiently manage on-street parking while providing real-time information 

From my visits to Baguio City, the only public transportation I recall are jeepneys, taxis, and buses. Wondering how Baguio plans to add to these options, or make the existing options more systematic, reliable, and convenient. @francislc And what about bike lanes and improved sidewalks?

I’d like to add that congestion pricing can deliver an increase in public transport capacity and efficiency. By reducing traffic congestion, buses and jeepneys can have shorter travel times, more predictabity, and more round trips—therefore moving more passengers. This will help transport operators to achieve financial viability and stability.

With traffic reduction, we can expect that this will result to smoother traffic and will create more space dedicated for public transport and non-motorized transport such as cycling, walking, etc. Inclusive mobility should be prioritized in Baguio.

I like this. Not only focused on charging but on improvement of the overall transport in Baguio

We are currently improving and adding bike lanes and sidewalks, promoting Baguio City as a walkable city.

For public transportation, our aim is to make it more systematic and data-driven, focusing on systems for public transport management, parking management, and traffic management.

This sounds promising! Would be great if the public could be shown a comprehensive plan that really lays out how congestion pricing will contribute to these inclusive transport plans.

Hi @Miss Maggie ! Mia is a Baguio-based journalist. Welcome to the chat!

on the point of Francis- of having data driven systems for public transport management, our proposal provides a system for all jeepneys where we can monitor all jeepney dispatches, passenger demand, creating a valuable pool of data useful for the planning of public transport route planning of the LGUs. The LGU can use this to have more responsive routes and rational allocation of fleets.

These are conversations happening in Baguio now, but another big question is, can congestion pricing be implemented in other Philippine cities? How feasible is this? Kaya ba ito sa Metro Manila for example? What would be the main challenges? @Mark Richmund @robie siy @Tim Vargas @francislc

How does the Smart Mobility Transport System align with Baguio’s environmental goals, particularly in terms of reducing carbon emissions, and what specific targets have been set to measure its success in this area?

DOTR tried this previously during the last administration. But the difficulty was having the approval of the city councils of around 17 LGUs in MMla. We may need special powers for this. But maybe the success of Baguio can be used as a template for others to follow,

@Mark Richmund Was the proposal for the entirety of EDSA?

Not only EDSA but key parts of MMla

This is possible with the following:
1) better public transportation
2) treat car ownership as privilege not a right. As defined in our land transport policy

Interesting! Which parts of Metro Manila? What was the basis for choosing those areas? And that time, magkano yung proposed congestion fee?

away yan for sure. hehe. Lalo na we have many who treats car ownership as an Ultimate Right!

@Tim Vargas Pero should better public transportation come first, THEN congestion pricing? Or congestion pricing first to better fund public transportation? the class chicken or egg question

attainable for me. instead of coding, the adjusting it takes (ie. waking up early and going home late) is more than the congestion fee

As mentioned by @robie siy above, you need to do congestion charging to allow public transport to flow.. even have possibility of dedicated lanes... and result to more reliable and predictable travel and arrival times for public transport

Even in limited zones or areas, i am convinced that congestion pricing can make a big difference. Today, the traffic around NAIA is already a nightmare—people miss flights, airport buses cannot operate efficiently, and tourists get a really bad first impression. If a congestion pricing zone (with public transport and taxis exempted) could be created around NAIA together with a dependable airport bus service going to major hotels and terminals, the congestion around NAIA would be relieved.

on the lighter side, coding gives us reason to go home a little late :)

Would be nice to have revenues from congestion charging in Metro Manila used to fund improvements in the PUVMP, or to improve enforcement on our streets.

It would take a lot of political will from 17 mayors, as Mark pointed out. Yet mayors are always susceptible to public outrage because they want to get elected. Making people pay again for something is political suicide to some politicians. There needs to be a narrative change around congestion pricing, emphasize the benefits to the majority, show how it's been effective in other countries. Maybe a pilot in a small, highly problematic area is a good starting point, as Robie suggested

Another good prospect for a short congestion pricing zone is McKinley Road, between BGC and Ayala Avenue. We need buses to move efficiently between BGC and Makati Commercial Center.

In Stockholm, congestion pricing was protested by certain quarters. But eventually, when good results came, the citizens of Stockholm made the scheme permanent via referendum in 2007.

legit. what I do before. I watch a movie 😊

This is something to think about! What other parts of Philippine cities are ripe for congestion pricing?

Indeed. I heard that some of those who opposed congestion pricing in Stockholm at the start later claimed that it was their idea in the first place.

Wondering if there have been Metro Manila mayors open to congestion pricing. Maybe you've encountered some @Mark Richmund @robie siy @dr. engr. solving traffic @Tim Vargas

I wouldn't be surprised for the credit grabbing

Agree, T3 is worst. I think the exit ramp of T3 crisscrossing with the Entry of Skyway is contributing to this. Same is true on the other bound.

Congestion Charging in many countries did experience low acceptability levels during its first few years of implementation. Until people see and feel the benefits of the policy. Acceptability in Stockholm increased from 21% to 67%

Interesting din yung ginawa ng Milan. Instead of coming from a mobility angle, they really focused on how congestion pricing is a solution to air pollution. Their system revolves around an EcoPass. The dirtier your car is, the higher the fee you pay. It's an interesting strategy

Media can play a crucial role in helping laymanize the concept of congestion charging. there will always be push back at the start but eventually people will come around to support. Just need to weather the storm and hold steadfast. Maybe a POC in Makati CBD, if its leaders can be convinced to support.

Sa Mayors haven't encountered one. pero sa BGC I heard they are open to congestion charging, according to BGC 70% are vehicle pass through. Then their BGC bus is suffering, due to the vehicular congestion in the CBD and also Mckinley Road.

The same with Manchester Clean Air Zone. There was a court case filed against government thats why government was instructed by their Supreme Court to implement this policy of Clean Air Zone and reduce pollution levels to acceptable levels

Definitely, most Philippine secondary cities would immediately benefit from congestion pricing. A suggestion is for the local politicians to link it to improvements in public transport and active transport—reducing congestion by attracting more people to walk, bike and use public transport.

their concern lang sa BGC they know there will be a big opposition on congestion charging

Makati CBD doesn’t even have window hours for number coding. So mayne they would be open to congestion charging

It's really about the attitude of driving a car is a right. In the cities that have implemented congestion pricing, the messaging is really about how roads and space are a limited resource and so to use it, you must pay.

Cebu would be great. But political forces at play may hinder that, BRT pa nga lang eh

Agree 100% Pia. Start small. Show results. People will follow.

But I'm wondering perhaps congestion pricing won't be such a crazy idea for Filipinos because most vehicle owners are used to paying a toll fee when using an expressway. It's not a far jump to, pay a fee to use a busy street for convenience.

Yesss! I usually walk with my kids, it always feels like I'm fighting for our lives when crossing the streets. More disappointing is how the enforcers accepted that cars are more superior than pedestrians. The enforcers prioritize car movement over pedestrian movement.

Like most things that require obtaining a license (LTO yearly registration renewal which includes road worthiness check), road usage is a priviledge.

Whole day parking alone in CBDs of Metro Manila is already at 200-300 peso levels. People are paying to use their cars.

I believe the Smart Mobility Transport System will have positive environmental impact if we treat it in a holistic manner - through the shift in travel modal, contributing to lesser use of private vehicles and higher ridership in PUV. Other schemes such as traffic management and parking guidance can provide information to motorists and help to reduce unnecessary circulations in the city. All these can help in the carbon emission and environmental objectives of Baguio City

None that i have heard of explicitly expressing their support for congestion charging. If framed within the context of a comprehensive sustainable mobility plan, I would recommend the Mayors to consider congestion charging – can start with a barangay or certain streets.

It’s high time we start implementing this, as traffic congestion builds up in the cities, it’s us the local residents who are affected by the pollution the congestion and air quality.

People also pay when they violate the number coding scheme... on the other hand, paying for CC isn't a violation or penalty.. it's a simple choice.

Exactly. Maybe mayors should not shut out this idea. Because nothing they've tried so far is working. Mayor Magalong deserves credit for at least bringing this conversation out into the open. It takes guts. Just hoping for follow-through and a real commitment to transparency and public consultation

Yes, make it as simple as paying a toll. LGUs should see it as a revenue raising measure with a positive impact on mobility, health, safety, etc. plus revenues can be earmarked for improving public transport and active transport.

Just flagging that ultimately, its not the Local Chief Executive who is approving the project but its City Council.

kasi nga there is no convenient alternative transportation- public transportation. This being the case, the more congestion charging must be looked into to mitigate congestion.

Thanks for pointing that out! Even more heads to convince, for those supporting congestion charge

Number coding has not worked well in fighting against congestion, we need a more robust approach for this . A congestion fee is a great idea for addressing the problem

Last questions for our resource persons! @Mark Richmund @francislc What's the next step for the smart urban mobility plan of Baguio, that includes congestion pricing?

In my previous study on Color Coding:
- 21% of car owners intentionally bought another car to skirt their coding day

@Tim Vargas What can inclusive transport advocates do to convince local government officials to at least consider congested pricing, or make studies about the proposal?

We will continue with the negotiations and actively involve the public to ensure the success of the Smart Urban Mobility plan, with the goal of significantly enhancing the quality of life for residents of Baguio City.

and for those staying in single car garage homes or townhouses...the other car ends up parked in the street.

And if MPT Mobility or other similar groups have interesting data about color coding, acceptability of congestion pricing, possible impact of congestion pricing, hoping you can share with Rappler! We could write about it, in the context of the larger debate on how to fix our cities' transport woes. @Mark Richmund @Don @dr. engr. solving traffic

We are currently doing the public consultations with identified stakeholders of the City from various affected sectors. Then, in parallel, we are currently finalizing our negotiations with the City executives. After the successful negotiation process, the project will need to be approved by the Local Development Council and City Council before the Comparative Challenge (swiss challenge). We will definitely need you guys to help rally behind this project.

I find the studies offering the wider and hollistic view of the proposal.

Thank you so much to everyone here. Feel free to chat asynchronously if you have questions for our resource persons and other channel members. This is a channel dedicated to conversations about liveability and improving urban life. So stick around for upcoming community chats and activities, including announcements about in-person activities soon!

Thanks again, Pia and Rappler, for hosting this conversation!

thank you rappler for this! nice and informative for everyone!

Thank you @Pia Ranada, Rappler Team, and the whole community there

Great discussion, looking forward

Hello liveable cities chat! Ako si Isa, and I am an intern for Rappler.

This evening, I attended the launch of the LGSF “Green Green Green” Program and the presentation of Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project in Pasay. The event saw many poweful figures express a strong commitment and passion for pursuing a more sustainable future in the Philippines, including Senator Loren Legarda, Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (Dept. of Budget and Management), Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar (Dept. of Human Settlements and Urban Dev), Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano of Pasay City, and many others.

A show of unity between private and public entities inspired hope for grand visions of bike lanes, accessible parks, climate resilience, and even plans for a new monorail. But are these visions mere visions?

Pictured above, you can see the groundbreaking ceremony for areas 3&4 of the Roxas Blvd Promenade, which will be the “Active Park Zone” and the “Parking and Play Area”. The last photo shows the inaugural light-up of the “Light Park Segment”, which is area 2 of the promenade.

After hearing many speeches about green spaces and sustainable development, I could not help but notice a stark lack of greenery. The large shiny metal dandelions and fake glowing bamboo poles made me wonder - how do we define a green space?

In terms of sustainability, there was no mention how the park might work to reduce the city’s carbon footprint or about the energy consumption of the many bright lights. And so I ask again, what makes a space “green”? What makes a space “sustainable”?

Please feel free to share any thoughts @here!

Sorry very late na in the conversation but great efforts from both govt and private sectors.

Just want to say that perhaps we should also rethink how we want to make our public transport reliable and predictable outside the demand-based approach. Singapore has a successful mix of congestion pricing and PT because they have service contracting for their buses. Money from taxes and city earnings going to real services to the citizens thru fixed frequencies of buses. And a government maintained open data hub.

This is where the PUVMP has failed to modernise. The business model of our public transport system and transport data management. Most of the risks and costs of using and operating land public transport are being shouldered by the commuters and operators. No data systems and fleet management can fix that government funding gap and operators' monthly amortisation needs.