DOTr Officials Required to Commute Once a Week as Part of New Directive
DOTr officials are now required to commute at least once a week to better understand the struggles of Filipino commuters.
Officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will now be taking public transport at least once a week as part of a new directive aimed at helping them understand the everyday realities of Filipino commuters.
The order, which applies mainly to leaders from the road and rail divisions, was rolled out under the leadership of Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez. By riding jeepneys, buses, trains, and other modes of public transport, the officials are expected to gain firsthand experience of the problems and inconveniences faced by millions of passengers daily.
The initiative goes beyond simply riding along. After their weekly commute, officials are required to submit detailed reports.
These will include their personal observations, the difficulties they encountered, and practical suggestions that can lead to better transport services. The reports are intended to guide future plans and programs for road and rail projects.
Secretary Lopez also set the example by taking public transportation himself during rush hour. He mingled with passengers, observed the long queues, and felt the crowded conditions that regular commuters endure every day.
Lopez’s participation emphasized the goal of the program—to bridge the gap between policymakers and the public by letting officials personally witness what ordinary riders go through.
While the focus is on the road and rail sectors, officials from other areas of the DOTr are also encouraged to take part in the practice. The department believes that this is one of the best ways to ensure that decisions and projects are more grounded in real commuter experiences.
The agency hopes to bring about more responsive and practical improvements in the country’s transportation system, ensuring that changes reflect the needs of the people who use it daily.
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