The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is collaborating with neighboring countries and stakeholders in fast-tracking big ticket projects to improve commuters' mobility and convenience.

"We did not waste any time rushing projects to reduce traffic, waiting lines, smoke-belching jeepneys, flight cancellations and other travel inconveniences," announced Secretary Jaime J. Bautista in yesterday's event at the Embassy of Malaysia.

The DOTr is "open to collaborate with our neighboring countries and other stakeholders", he reiterated.

In the pipeline of the transportation department is the planned privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which will be implemented through the Public-Private Partnership scheme (PPP).

Apart from road initiatives Active Transport and the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), the DOTr is also replicating the concept of the EDSA Busway in Cebu and Davao through the Bus Rapid Transit project (BRT), he pointed out.

To effectively address traffic congestion while providing increased passenger and freight capacity, the DOTr is also rushing rail projects such as the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, North South Commuter Railway (NSCR), Metro Manila Subway, MRT-7, among others.

The agency is likewise upgrading numerous seaports, making the countryside competitive for trade, investment and tourism, while ensuring coastline safety, and upgrading the skills of Filipino seafarers.

"The mission is comfortable, accessible, safe, sustainable and affordable travel experience. This is our commitment. This is our pledge,” he concluded