DOTr Asec Jorjette Aquino, on more accessible ticket vending machines, says they will be able to require future providers to provide these because of revisions to the accessibility law.

Kasali Tayo greatly appreciates Rappler, the DoTr, and all our inclusive transport advocates for this afternoon's fruitful meeting. We commend all the efforts made to improve our train commuting experience. As Dr. Mau mentioned, we fully understand that this will be a long process and each step requires ample time. However, we are committed to joining the DoTr on this journey.

Thank you @Bless Adriano ! As a commuter with visual impairment, what do you think of the response of the train operators to the issue of ticket-vending machines that are not accessible to those with visual impairment? The current solution they propose is to ensure train staff are on hand to assist when blind commuters have to buy tickets. The other solution will take a while: they would have to modify the contract for the current provider of the ticket vending machines.

Hi! For me, that solution might be temporarily acceptable. Additionally, perhaps we can also utilize a separate cue for persons with disabilities to avoid arguments that may arise when we go straight to the front of the line.

Regarding the new providers they will be seeking, I hope we'll note that braille and text-to-speech should always be provided together. Also, as I mentioned in our first dialogue, the cards should have particular markings or unique features to help us identify which side to insert into the machines.

*ideally* If the ticketing process is upgraded to use apps and QR codes, it will not only make things more accessible for us but also reduce long queues, especially during rush hours. Like what Ms. Krissy mentioned earlier, it's usable but not yet completely accessible. I'm sure that day would come.

@eljay b @Frankie Were also present at the meeting but virtually. What’s your feedback on how DOTr and train operators are addressing the issues?

Also, to anyone backreading the updates here, please feel free to share your thoughts!

@Pia Ranada I do understand the limitations DoTR and Train Operators have in order for us to have a truly inclusive transport services. As someone with nonapparent disability, one of the many frustrations I have is to explain to the guards the staff basically everyone about my disability and the accommodations I'll be needing. Hopefully the continuous disability sensitivity seminars would also include nonapparent disabilities, learning and cognitive disabilities as we too are users of the public transport system.

Was there any issue you felt wasn’t addressed? @Frankie

I guess the implementations they have in place focus more on accessibility for the visually impaired and the physical disabilities as the initial audit only covered said disabilities. moving forward, I do hope that the DoTR also have plans to include other disabilities in their inclusion practices as we, too, have the right to travel and the right to accessible transportation

Sending some highlights from the meeting with LRT-1, LRT-2, MRT-3 operators, DOTr, persons with disability groups, and Rappler:

LRT-1:
- All LRT-1 stations have bike racks but only some of these are at street level
- Proposal to allow bicycles on the trains being reviewed, given more spacious “Gen4” train coaches
- “Engineering solution” needed to solve uneven levels of trains and platforms

LRT-2:
- Grab bars installed in all station bathrooms, but most lack space for side transfers for wheelchair users
- All blocked access ramps spotted by Rappler cleared of obstruction
- Personal mobility devices like electric wheelchairs may now be used on this train line
- Folding bicycles, e-scooters allowed on trains; allowing full-sized bicycles outside of peak hours being considered

MRT-3:
- Construction of accessibility ramp in Taft Avenue North Bound station approved
- Gap fillers or portable ramps, tactile flooring in concourse to be included in future MRT-3 projects
- Commuter welfare desks unmanned due to lack of funds
- Grab bars installed in all accessible toilets

FOr ALL TRAIN LINES: There is a DOTr plan to revise terms of reference for future contracts with suppliers of ticket-vending machines to ensure these machines will have Braille, tactile buttons, text-to-speech, and other features that make them more accessible to persons with disabilities.

I am new here. I don’t know if anyone raised the problem of bringing your luggages to the train stations especially now that the trains are connecting to the airports?

That's a good point! Let's ask @Lance Spencer Yu if he saw this figured into the designs of the proposed train line to NAIA.

I’d hope it’s part of the plan, but so far, we can’t know for sure. DOTr hasn’t shared specific details of how the subway’s spur line to NAIA will look like, and the subway is still several years away from completion. As for the soon-to-open LRT1 MIA station, that station will be the closest to the airport, but it’s not directly connected to NAIA, unfortunately.

Let’s also remember that NAIA is about to undergo big renovations at the hands of San Miguel starting this September, so we’ll have to hope that good baggage infrastructure is part of their plan too (which also has yet to be shared to the public.)

Tagging @DanMNL so you can see Lance’s answer to your question 🙂

Thank you. Hopefully they will realize that for ALL stations since we are about to get connected to Clark airport as well. Imagine bringing up your luggages to the LRT 1 stations. The logistics of inspecting your luggages within the train stations will be an issue as well.

Maybe Rappler should investigate and expose this folly around the LTO Emission Testing Program. I was at an emission testing center a few days ago at around 10 AM, and I surprised to hear that they no longer accept vehicles for testing at that time of day. Their reason "cut off na po". When I started asking why, the attendant motioned me to go talk to the owner who happens to be nearby. So I walked over to him and asked why they don't want to accept additional vehicles at 10 AM when there are many vehicles willing to pay for the service? His answer "kinokotahan kami ng LTO na hanggang 80 lang ang puede namin gawin sa isang araw". I am confused as to why so I asked him why - his answer "Ewan ko ba kung anong utak meron ang gobyernong ito!"

The questions then are - why would LTO dictate how much transaction should a private business handle? Is there a collusion here? Also, this is a big disservice to motorists because you will have to go around and look for another testing center wasting time and money just to go around hoping to find a testing center available, but most of them will no longer accept at around lunch time. And there is no place to find where else can we find the available testing centers who have not yet consumed their quota. It is really a disservice to the public and to those who operate these testing centers. The moment government institutions dictate how much business should one do per period of time, then that's collusion contrary to fair business transactions and against public interests.

Hi @here! We recently published a report about DOTr’s steps on how they’re seeking for a more accessible and inclusive transport system through PWD-friendly facilities in LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 train lines: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/improvements-pwd-facilities-metro-manila-trains/? 

Have you noticed these changes? Any other problem that needs to be addressed? Feel free to share here! 

Thank you, @Galileo for telling us about this. Tagging our transport/infra reporter @Lance Spencer Yu who has written LTO stories before.

LOOK: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started an emergency road repair at Taft Avenue Extension Road, Baclaran, Parañaque this morning.

Reminder to all LRT Line 1 commuters and Baclaran Church and Market goers to expect moderate to heavy vehicle and foot traffic.

LOOK: Residents inspect the damage of the second alarm fire in Capulong St., Tondo, Manila, on Thursday, June 13. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire while displaced families are temporarily relocated to the barangay covered court.

Do you have any updates about the fire in Tondo? Don't hesitate to share them here!

There's a proposal to impose a congestion fee in Baguio City's busiest road, Session Road. What do you think? Should a congestion fee also be imposed in certain roads in your city? Would this make sense for EDSA, for example, in Metro Manila? Curious to know your thoughts! @here https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/baguio-city-session-road-congestion-fee-proposal/

This is great step for Baguio. When we look at what has gone wrong in Baguio, a major problem is the uncontrolled growth in motor vehicles bringing gridlock, heat, noise and pollution. This damaging trend needs to be reversed and congestion pricing is an effective tool for accomplishing this. It would promote a desirable shift to sustainable travel options—walking, cycling and public transport.

Good morning! Have you ever visited Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City's restaurant row? There's a plan to close it off from cars on Sundays and call it a People-Friendly Street. The Quezon City Council wants to know public sentiment about this proposal. Want to weigh in? You can join Rappler's virtual public consultation sessions in July! We've partnered with Quezon City Councilor Irene Belmonte to hold AI-moderated virtual public dialogue about her proposed ordinance. To those interested, first step is to join 🗣Tomas-Morato-Consultation chat room. @here

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.