Metro Manila continues to grapple with severe traffic congestion, costing drivers an estimated 127 hours a year and the economy billions.
According to the 2024 TomTom Traffic Index, the city ranked 14th globally for traffic congestion. While this is an improvement from its 2023 ranking as the world’s most congested city, the problem is far from solved.
Meanwhile, Davao City has emerged as the most congested city in the country, ranking 8th worldwide. Commuters in Davao lose an average of 136 hours annually stuck in traffic. This widespread gridlock, from overcrowded rail lines to slow jeepney modernization, costs the Philippine economy an estimated P3.5 billion a day, according to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
In the face of these challenges, technology is emerging as a critical part of the solution. NEC Philippines is advocating for a more integrated, data-driven approach to transportation reform. The company highlights that technologies like smart traffic management, contactless fare systems, and real-time fleet tracking can help reshape how cities move.
From smart traffic management and contactless fare systems to electric vehicles and real‑time fleet tracking, available technologies are already reshaping how cities move. The challenge, experts say, is not just adoption, but alignment.
“Technology alone doesn’t solve congestion. It’s how we apply it across agencies, across modes, and with the commuter in mind. It’s not just about having the right tools; equally important is having the right people to implement them,” Ma. Sherlyn C. Omalin, president of NEC Philippines said.
“We need to treat mobility as a service, not just a system,” she added.
Recent developments in the country point to promising shifts. The rollout of automated fare collection systems on major rail lines, the expansion of ride‑hailing platforms, and the pilot deployment of electric jeepneys all reflect a growing appetite for innovation.
NEC, for its part, supports public transport operators with three main customer segments: high speed railway, MRT, and buses/BRT.
With over 30 years of experience with smart transport customers in over 50 cities, NEC provides a strong focus on solutions for smart ticketing, fleet management, and passenger information services.
“We’re not just building systems. We’re building access and opportunity,” Carmelo Remudaro, NEC Philippines’ head of Transportation Business Unit, said.
“By creating what’s ahead in Philippine transportation, we aim to deliver smart and sustainable solutions that empower every Filipino commuter,” he added.
Industry leaders are also advocating for mobility platforms that unify transport modes, enable real-time data sharing, and support predictive traffic analytics. These systems—already in use in cities like Singapore and Tokyo—can help Philippine cities optimize routes, manage congestion, and improve commuter safety.
The Philippine government has also stepped up its efforts. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has prioritized rail modernization, aviation expansion, and public transport upgrades. Former DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon had previously emphasized the importance of public‑private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure delivery and improve system reliability.
NEC Philippines echoes this view, noting that collaboration between government, technology providers, and civil society is essential to build systems that are resilient, inclusive, and future‑ready.
“We are proud to offer industry-leading solutions partnered with our record of excellence. We leverage NEC’s suite of services that drive the transport sector forward: providing operational management and data analysis while enhancing passenger engagement and safety,” Omalin said.
“ We are excited to collaborate with like-minded organizations that share our vision for advancing the Philippines’ transportation systems,” she added.
