The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, currently under development in Cebu and Davao, is being eyed as a potential answer to Metro Manila's chronic traffic congestion and shortage of mass transportation.
This was a key point of discussion at a recent forum that brought together representatives from the Department of Transportation (DoTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and mobility advocates.
Gonggom Sintanggang of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), a global organization specializing in transport systems, highlighted BRT's advantages. While acknowledging the improvements offered by the existing EDSA Busway, Sintanggang stressed the potential for BRT to further enhance public commuting, making it easier, more inclusive, and more accessible.
Sintanggang explained that BRT systems boast significantly lower capital costs and shorter construction times compared to rail, while also having the capacity to transport more passengers.
He cited that BRT can carry five times more passengers than a regular bus, making it an ideal solution for densely populated areas like Metro Manila.
"As cities grow, BRT enables efficient, inclusive, and scalable public transport that responds to today’s challenges and tomorrow’s demand," Sintanggang stated at AltMobility PH’s Philippine Mobility Series 2025. The event was co-presented by DoTr and partnered with Grab, Makati Business Club Inc. and the Move As One Coalition.
Sintanggang cited Jakarta's successful shift to a BRT system, which enabled the Indonesian capital to address its insufficient mass transport needs with low capital expenditure and a quick construction period.
Atty. Booey Bonifacio of Grab Philippines echoed the sentiment, stressing the value of learning from Jakarta's experience.
"Grab, as a supporter of AltMobility PH’s Philippine Mobility Series, creates opportunities for the government to have meaningful interactions with non-government organizations, civil society organizations, and the academe," Bonifacio said. "We aim to co-create solutions for better mobility in the Philippines through these mobility sessions.”