The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is targeting to break the public’s dependency on private cars by subscribing to the principle of transit-oriented development (TOD).

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said this on Thursday, August 24, adding that the agency will put up more transport infrastructure that can create compact, walkable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-used communities centered around train systems, and other public transportation hubs.

“We aim to break Filipinos’ dependence on private cars for mobility. We are pushing this multi-sectoral approach to urban development through our transport projects,” Bautista said during the Asia Real Estate Forum 2023. 

The transportation chief explained that by capitalizing on transit-oriented development infrastructure, Filipinos will break the cycle of car dependency and patronize public transportation to alleviate traffic in the metropolis and other high-density areas.

He noted that the principle of transit-oriented development will help create walkable and efficient transportation, and reduce high energy consumption which could contribute to the country’s fight against climate change. 

“We have to subscribe to TOD’s concept of creating walkable communities that reduce the need for driving and high energy consumption. By aligning our projects to the TOD principle, we aspire to make a positive change to the lives of Filipinos through our transport projects,” Bautista pointed out.

The transport chief likewise called on the private sector to partner with the DOTr to bankroll such investable projects.

“These projects require massive funding. We have turned to the private sector for investment collaboration. On many occasions, the keen interest displayed by private investors to our projects manifest their financial viability while remaining primarily public service initiatives,” he said.