DBM OKs release of P705M for DOTr’s active transport project

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday announced the release of P705 million to cover the funding requirement for the implementation of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) active transport program.

In a statement, the DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman signed the issuance of the P705-million Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) to the DOTr.

The amount will be used to implement the Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program in Metropolitan Areas.

Under Special Provision (SP) No. 8 of the DOTr-Office of the Secretary’s 2023 budget, the appropriated amount for the program shall be used to construct protected bike lanes, procure bike racks, improve end-of-trip cycling infrastructure, construct safe and accessible pedestrian pathways and sidewalks, and upgrade existing pop-up bike lanes into permanent bike lanes.

The DOTr’s whole active transport campaign seeks to establish 2,400 kilometers of bike lanes in 2028 to provide safe infrastructure for cyclists, commuters, and other road users.

The Transportation Department earlier said it has lined up road projects for 2023, including the expansion of active transport infrastructure in nine regions, the Intramuros Active Transport Infrastructure Expansion, and the Quezon City Bike Bridge.

For her part, Pangandaman said the Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program in Metropolitan Areas “aims to embed sustainable and active mobility in the country's overall transportation system.”

“Achieving an improved transportation system toward a better quality of life for all Filipinos calls for a multisectoral approach. President ‘Bongbong’ Marcos was very particular when he directed us to provide the necessary budgetary support to the transport sector, as we see this as one aspect of the solution," said the Budget chief.

“That’s why for us in the DBM, we will ensure to provide support to this meaningful project. Kaisa po kami ng mga biker at advocates of active transport sa pagbibigay sa ating mga siklista ng comfortable and safe space sa kalsada,” added Pangandaman.

The DBM said the program also prioritizes providing a sustainable transportation option that is cohesive, direct, safe, comfortable, and attractive to the public aside from increasing the accessibility of key activity areas and fundamental facilities through supporting the development of active transport.

Moreover, the program is, likewise, expected to reduce carbon emissions in metropolitan areas, as well as significantly improve overall public health and safety through the presence of upgraded bike and pedestrian facilities.

The program will also focus on reducing road congestion as motor vehicle users shift to more efficient modes of transport, the DBM said.—AOL, GMA Integrated News