Iloilo City has been identified as one of the pilot
areas for the Area-Focused Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), a
joint initiative of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the World Bank
aimed at improving commuter experience and building a more efficient,
sustainable urban transport system.
The development was highlighted during a presentation
and Local Government Unit (LGU) engagement held at Iloilo City Hall, where DOTr
and World Bank representatives met with city officials led by Raisa Treñas. The
session gathered members of the City Planning Office, the Transportation
Committee, and the Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office
(ICTTMO), along with representatives from the Land Transportation Franchising
and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Office VI headed by Regional Director
Richard Z. Osmeña.
Area-Focused Approach to Modernization
Iloilo City is among the targeted Highly Urbanized
Cities included in the pilot program design. The Area-Focused PTMP introduces a
new model that goes beyond vehicle replacement and franchise consolidation.
Instead, it emphasizes:
- Developing fit-for-purpose routes based on updated
origin–destination patterns
- Increasing route penetration in neighborhoods to improve last-mile
connectivity
- Enhancing overall efficiency, reliability, and commuter experience
- Strengthening alignment with the city’s Local Public Transport
Route Plan (LPTRP)
During the dialogue, key issues and operational
concerns related to the LPTRP were presented and discussed, giving transport
stakeholders the opportunity to share insights and explore strategic solutions.
The World Bank team also outlined innovative,
area-focused strategies designed to support a seamless transition toward a
modern, road-based public transport network.
Commitment to Sustainable Mobility
Mayor Treñas underscored the city government’s careful
review of the proposed framework, emphasizing that modernization must translate
into tangible benefits for Ilonggos.
“I-review anay naton sang maayo ini bangud katuyuan
naton ang mas maayo, sustainable, kag mas accessible nga public transport
system para sa tanan nga Ilonggo,” the mayor said.
Following a similar engagement in Bacolod City,
Iloilo’s inclusion signals strong national confidence in the city’s readiness
to pilot reforms aligned with sustainable urban mobility goals.
With continued collaboration among national agencies,
local government units, and transport stakeholders, Iloilo City moves a step
closer to building a safer, more inclusive, and future-ready transportation
system — one that keeps pace with its rapid growth and evolving mobility needs.