Rising fuel prices are pushing more commuters in Metro Manila to shift to bicycles and public transport, as local governments step up fuel conservation measures amid the ongoing energy crisis, San Juan Mayor and Metro Manila Council chairperson Francis Zamora said.
Zamora said local governments are coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to ensure bike lanes are interconnected across city boundaries, noting that seamless routes are key to sustaining the shift to active transport. “What’s important is the interconnectivity of the bike lanes kasi hindi naman pwede na once na tumawid ka when you get to another city ay mapuputol sya… we have to plan for all of our bike lanes to interconnect,” he told reporters.
He said more residents are turning to cycling as fuel prices climb. “Dahil sa crisis ng gasolina… mas maraming bumabalik sa active transportation… maraming nagbibisikleta,” Zamora added.
Zamora also said local governments are awaiting Malacañang guidelines following the declaration of a state of energy emergency, while continuing existing measures such as a four-day workweek scheme for city employees, with most working from home every Friday except those in essential services.
He noted that fuel allocations now cover less distance than before, prompting stricter management of government vehicle use. “Dapat multitasking sya… overall conservation measures should be done by our city governments, by our people… kailangan na mag-isip ng mga paraan para makatipid,” he said.