The Railfans of the Philippines Organization issued a statement of support for the Department of Transportation’s issuance of Department Order 2025-024, which establishes the Accessible Travel Policy guidelines for national railway systems.
The advocacy group said the move ensures that the country’s modernizing rail network serves all citizens regardless of age or physical ability.
The organization noted that the true value of a transit system is measured by its inclusivity rather than its speed or technological specifications alone.
Under the new guidelines, the DOTr aims to provide a seamless and dignified commuting experience for senior citizens, people with disabilities and expectant mothers. The policy also cited specialized training for railway personnel to improve frontline service across the network.
Railfans of the Philippines Organization officials said the integration of these standards into upcoming projects, such as the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway, would ensure the infrastructure is world-class from its first day of operation.
The group said a system that prioritizes accessibility is essential for moving the nation forward.
DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez received the group’s endorsement as the agency begins implementing the order.
The policy comes as the government continues to invest billions of pesos into the rail sector, where individual project costs often exceed P100 billion.
Industry analysts suggest that improving accessibility could increase ridership by 10 percent or more as more demographics find the rail system easier to navigate.
The organization said the “human heart” of the railway should remain as advanced as the physical infrastructure being built.
