The Railfans of the Philippines Organization (RPO), the nation’s premier community of railway advocates and historians, officially declares its full support for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) following the landmark issuance of Department Order No. 2025-024.
The order, which adopts the comprehensive Accessible Travel Policy (ATP) Guidelines, establishes a new gold standard for inclusivity across all national railway systems, including the LRT, MRT, and the upcoming mega-projects under the “Build Better More” program.
For the members of RPO, a railway system is more than just tracks and rolling stock; it is a vital public service. The organization believes that the true measure of a world-class network is its accessibility.
“We often talk about horsepower, speed, and sleek designs, but the most important metric of any train system is how well it serves the person who needs it most,” said the RPO Board of Directors in a collective statement. “Department Order 2025-024 ensures that the beauty of our growing rail network is matched by its empathy for every Filipino commuter.”
The Railfans of the Philippines Organization highlights three critical pillars within the new guidelines that will transform the commuting landscape:
-
Dignity in Every Journey: The policy mandates infrastructure adjustments that ensure senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and expectant mothers can navigate stations and board trains with total independence and dignity.
-
The “Human Heart” of Infrastructure: Beyond physical ramps and elevators, the DOTr’s emphasis on specialized staff training ensures that frontline personnel are equipped with the sensitivity and skills to assist passengers with diverse needs.
-
World-Class Integration: By incorporating these guidelines into the design phase of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the Metro Manila Subway, the DOTr is future-proofing the network, ensuring it is inclusive from day one rather than requiring costly retrofits later.
The RPO extends its gratitude to Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez for his leadership in prioritizing the “human element” of transportation. The organization maintains that an inclusive railway system is the backbone of a progressive society, allowing all citizens to participate fully in the economy and community life.
“When we build for the most vulnerable, we build better for everyone,” the RPO stated. “This is a massive leap toward a transport system that we can all be proud of—one that truly moves the nation forward, together.”
