The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has issued the special allotment release order amounting to P705 million to cover the implementation of the Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program in Metropolitan Areas.
The initiative 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,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement yesterday.
“We will ensure to provide support to this meaningful project,” she added.
Aside from increasing the accessibility of key activity areas and fundamental facilities through supporting the development of active transport, the program will also prioritize providing a sustainable transportation option that is cohesive, direct, safe, comfortable and attractive to the public.
The program is 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.
To further promote indirect economic and environmental benefits such as better quality of life, transportation cost savings, time savings and improved air quality, the program will also focus on reducing road congestion as motor vehicle users shift to more efficient modes of transport.
Based on a special provision, 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.
