Public transportation is the lifeline of Filipino commuters, yet for many, accessing these systems is an uphill battle. Persons with disabilities (PWDs), the elderly, and parents with strollers often encounter insurmountable barriers in transportation hubs that were not designed with inclusivity in mind. Step-free access is not merely an aspiration for the Philippines; it is a necessity to ensure that everyone can travel with dignity, safety, and ease.
The Philippine context
According to the 2020 Census, around 1.4 million Filipinos live with disabilities, but the actual number could be much higher due to underreporting. Despite the enactment of Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, and subsequent policies like the Accessibility Law, the physical environment in many public transportation systems—jeepneys, buses, MRT, LRT, and even provincial buses—remains largely inaccessible.
For instance, the lack of elevators and ramps in many MRT and LRT stations forces wheelchair users to rely on assistance or take dangerous detours. Jeepneys, an iconic mode of transport, are often inaccessible due to their high steps and cramped interiors. Tricycles, widely used in rural areas, present similar challenges.
The consequences of this inaccessibility are dire: persons with disabilities are excluded from economic opportunities, children with special needs miss out on education, and families are further burdened by the cost of alternative transportation.
Prioritize step-free access
Beyond being a legal obligation under international agreements such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, step-free access is a moral imperative. Inclusive public transportation is essential for achieving the Philippines’ broader goals of poverty reduction, economic mobility, and sustainable urban development.
Making transportation step-free does not only benefit persons with disabilities; it also helps senior citizens, pregnant women, and parents with strollers, as well as temporarily injured individuals. Inclusivity in transportation transforms it into a public good that works for everyone.
Steps to achieve step-free access
1. Revise infrastructure standards: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) must require universal design standards for all new transport infrastructure, ensuring stations, terminals, and vehicles cater to all users. These standards must be incorporated into the plans for the expansion of railway systems like the MRT-7 and North-South Commuter Railway.
2. Retrofit existing transport systems: Retrofitting should be a government priority. Adding elevators, ramps, and tactile pathways to existing MRT and LRT stations will significantly improve accessibility. Jeepney modernization, mandated under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, must also consider low-floor designs or automated ramps.
3. Provide accessible pedestrian infrastructure: Step-free access extends beyond transit hubs to the surrounding infrastructure. Sidewalks should be wheelchair-friendly, with smooth surfaces and curb cuts, and pedestrian crossings should include audible signals for visually impaired users.
4. Implement reliable maintenance: Accessibility features often fail due to poor upkeep. Broken elevators or ramps render stations inaccessible. The DOTr and local governments must establish strict maintenance protocols with service-level agreements for immediate repairs.
5. Leverage technology: Mobile applications and real-time updates can inform commuters about the status of elevators, escalators, and accessible routes. This is particularly critical in cities like Metro Manila, where navigating transport hubs is already challenging.
6. Engage PWD communities: The government must engage with disability organizations to design and monitor accessibility programs. Collaborative efforts ensure solutions are practical and aligned with the needs of PWDs.
7. Prioritize rural accessibility: Accessibility is not just a Metro Manila issue. Rural areas, where transportation options are even more limited, need support. Subsidies for accessible tricycles and jeepneys should be part of local government programs.
A call to action
Step-free access is not a luxury but a basic right that reflects our commitment to inclusivity and equality. The Philippines has the potential to be a leader in accessible transportation in Southeast Asia, but this requires political will, sustained funding, and genuine collaboration. Let’s build a country where every Filipino can move freely, with dignity and independence.