The Department of Transportation (DOTr) of the Philippines and Swedfund, backed by the Sweden, have signed a grant agreement to support the development of national bus standards aimed at improving safety, quality, and inclusivity in urban public transport.
The grant will fund the preparation of normative specifications for urban buses, including minibuses, covering a unified bus classification system, standard technical parameters, and performance-based specifications for Public Utility Buses (PUBs). The initiative supports the DOTr’s Public Transport Modernization Program and aligns with Philippine national standards on safety, accessibility, and environmental performance.
The partnership builds on earlier Swedish support for the EDSA Bus Rapid Transit project, including grants for feasibility studies, system planning, and technical assistance, and reflects a broader shift by the Philippine government toward a commuter-focused, non-car-centric transport strategy.