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Philippines
Thursday, February 20, 2025
26.1 C
Philippines
Thursday, February 20, 2025

Gov’t vows to keep bike lanes

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The bike lanes program will continue. On the part of the DOTr and us cyclists, we will not give up the bike lanes.

Jesus Ferdinand Ortega, DOTr Undersecretary

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it is expanding its active transport program, making roads more inclusive for cyclists and pedestrians.

DOTr Undersecretary Jesus Ferdinand Ortega said the agency would continue to establish bike lanes nationwide, along with comprehensive bike facilities for cyclists and bike commuters.

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“The bike lanes program will continue. On the part of the DOTr and us cyclists, we will not give up [the bike lanes]. We will make sure that the bike lanes will continue and will still grow,” Ortega said over DOTr’s Sakay Na! radio program on Radyo Pilipinas.

Under the Active Transport Program, the DOTr is looking to establish 2,400 kilometers of protected and dedicated lanes for cyclists by year 2028.

Apart from cycling, the transport agency is also constructing walkways to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the national government would prioritize active transport by creating facilities such as “safe walkways and secured bike lanes to promote healthier and more sustainable modes of travel.”

Active transport is in line with the National Transport Policy (NTP) and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 (PDP).

Under these initiatives, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles are accorded the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users. It also mandates government to prioritize the development of active transport infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Ortega said that Ayala Land Inc. would commence construction of the Taguig Integrated Terminal Exchange Project (ITX) on Feb. 3, 2025. The project will rise on a 4.7-hectare site.

“Hopefully the project will be operational in two years,” he added.

It will connect passengers coming from the Laguna/Batangas side to other transport systems such as the future North-South Commuter Railway project (currently the Philippine National Railways), city bus, taxi and other public utility vehicles that are serving inner Metro Manila.

The project will include passenger terminal buildings, arrival and departure bays, public information systems, ticketing and baggage handling facilities and park-ride facilities.

The private partner, Ayala, will undertake the design, construction and financing of the ITS South Terminal as well as the operation and maintenance of the whole facility. The concessionaire can also undertake commercial development and collect revenues generated from the same.

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