The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Government of Sweden, through its development finance institution Swedfund, have officially signed a landmark grant agreement to elevate the Philippines’ public transport landscape. The partnership aims to establish comprehensive national bus standards to ensure safety, quality, and inclusivity across urban centers nationwide.
The agreement aligns with the Marcos administration’s directive to pivot from car-centric infrastructure to a model that prioritizes the commuting public. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez highlighted that the initiative is a cornerstone of the President’s goal to move people more efficiently.
“President Marcos has made it clear that we must shift away from a car-centric transport model into a more inclusive and commuter-centric approach,” said Secretary Lopez. “By improving our bus systems and public transport infrastructure, we can transport more people, help them save time spent on the road, and alleviate vehicular traffic.”
The grant will facilitate the creation of normative specifications for urban buses and minibuses. These standards will merge international best practices with the specific geographic and operational needs of the Philippines.
Key outputs of the project include:
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Unified Bus Classification System: Clear categories for various Public Utility Bus (PUB) types.
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Standardized Technical Parameters: Uniform benchmarks for vehicle safety and performance.
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Functional Performance Specifications: Requirements focused on accessibility and environmental sustainability.
Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry emphasized the collaborative nature of the project: “By working together on bus standards, we are combining international experience with local knowledge to improve everyday mobility for Filipino commuters. Sweden is proud to work alongside the Philippines in developing standards firmly grounded in local conditions.”
This agreement marks the latest chapter in a robust transport cooperation between the two nations. Since 2018, Swedfund has been a pivotal partner in the development of the EDSA Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, contributing approximately SEK 10 million (PHP 65 million) toward feasibility and planning.
In 2025, Sweden further intensified its commitment with an additional SEK 3 million (over PHP 19.5 million) grant. This funding supports:
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Extended EDSA BRT feasibility studies.
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Advanced engineering designs and technical assistance.
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Public-Private Partnership (PPP) advisory and capacity-building.
The initiative directly supports the DOTr’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), ensuring that the next generation of Philippine buses meets modern safety, accessibility, and environmental benchmarks.
