A look at traffic reality: Twelve scenarios for mobility improvement 2026

The year 2025 challenged us on many levels of the transportation sector – from infrastructure issues to safety concerns. As we enter a new year, it is time to analyze the most urgent mobility problems and outline realistic solutions. Several author groups and transportation experts have addressed these topics and drawn similar conclusions.

Infrastructure Priorities: The EDSA Question

The planned renovation of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) – the country’s main thoroughfare – represents one of the most important infrastructure measures. According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the repair will be carried out in two phases of four months each, with a revised budget of 6 billion Philippine Pesos (reduced from the original 17 billion). The first phase started around the New Year and is expected to be completed by April or May 2026. The focus is on minimizing inconvenience during the construction period. A key hope remains that after all work is completed, no unexpected weather-related damages will occur.

Safety in Public Transportation

A constant concern among commuters is safety when using buses, jeepneys, and trucks. The frequency of accidents attributed to “brake failure” raises questions about maintenance culture and operator responsibility. While government inspections exist, there is a lack of sufficient resources for continuous monitoring. A paradigm shift in industry mentality – from recognizing responsibility for human lives to regular vehicle maintenance – is necessary.

Electric Mobility and Charging Infrastructure

With the increasing number of battery electric vehicle (BEV) models from various manufacturers, the inadequate public charging infrastructure becomes a bottleneck. Although newer vehicles are equipped with increased range, a massive shift to electric mobility requires a dense national charging network. The problem is already evident at shopping centers: charging stations are often occupied, sometimes by fully charged vehicles left parked for convenience by their owners.

Pedestrian Friendliness and Sidewalk Quality

Urban development often results in damaged or poorly lit sidewalks. A consistent problem: during infrastructure works – whether for utility lines or drainage – public pathways are neglected. Commuters are forced to live with unsafe conditions. Improving metropolitan pedestrian friendliness requires not only better sidewalk standards but also strict sanctions against drivers who ignore crosswalks and sidewalks.

Traffic Education and Driver Behavior

The frequency of road conflicts between drivers – from physical altercations to aggressive gestures – indicates a fundamental problem: lack of traffic education. A vision for 2026 would include more courteous traffic participation: proper queueing, appropriate signal use, and avoiding unnecessary honking at traffic lights.

Motorcycle Riders and Traffic Safety

The risk for motorcycle riders remains a chronic concern. Media reports of accidents – especially cases where riders are injured under larger vehicles – reinforce legitimate safety concerns. A change in mindset is needed: defensive driving techniques and increased caution are not only advantages but survival factors.

Road Space and Informal Usage

Misuse of road space by informal vendors – especially during holiday seasons – contributes to traffic jams and poses safety risks. While income generation is justified, organized locations and times are necessary. A coordinated approach between authorities and communities could reduce this tension.

EDSA Busway: Compliance and Abuse

The EDSA Busway is reserved for licensed city buses, with narrow exceptions for ambulances, emergency services, and top government officials. However, in practice, broader misuse occurs. Modern enforcement methods – such as contactless detection systems with public documentation – could serve as deterrents.

Capacity of Public Transportation

Overcrowding in MRT, LRT, and bus systems has reached levels beyond international standards. The question of how massive government funds have been wasted to support transportation modernization remains controversial. Realistic improvements require significant capital investments and operational optimizations.

Traffic Police and Traffic Flow

Paradoxically, police presence sometimes worsens traffic flow – when traffic signals are manipulated or inefficient regulations are created. Traffic officers need not only training in identifying violations but also in traffic flow principles to optimize their interventions.

Mabuhay Lanes and Community Responsibility

The Mabuhay lanes, designed as less congested alternatives, only work if neighboring communities fulfill their cooperation duties – by avoiding illegal parking, street vending, and uncontrolled road crossings. Community self-responsibility is essential.

Conclusion: Collective Engagement for Mobility Culture

An improved traffic situation in 2026 depends on several factors: government infrastructure investment, regulatory enforcement, technological innovation, and – not least – cultural change in driver behavior. The coming year offers an opportunity to initiate and monitor realistic changes.