(Photo courtesy : LRTA/MRT3/NCDA)
The Department of Transportation is strengthening its push for inclusive public transport with the nationwide adoption of the Accessible Travel Policy Guidelines, setting clear standards to ensure that railway services are safe, welcoming, and usable for all commuters.
The initiative follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to create a more enabling environment across rail lines, with particular attention to the needs of persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant passengers. Transport officials said the policy reflects a broader commitment to making everyday travel easier and more dignified for Filipinos who rely on mass transit.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez described the adoption of the guidelines as a major step toward building a rail system that prioritizes safety, reliability, and inclusivity. He stressed that public transport should remove barriers rather than create them, allowing all passengers to move comfortably and confidently.
Under Department Order No. 2025-024, railway operators are now required to implement a set of accessibility measures, including regular staff training on disability awareness and gender sensitivity, dedicated wheelchair boarding assistance and help points, clearer audio and visual passenger information, and established feedback channels supported by routine accessibility audits.
For existing railway systems, the DOTr said compliance will be phased in through transition plans to be prepared by each operator. These plans will outline how upgrades and operational improvements will be introduced over the coming years, ensuring that accessibility enhancements are carried out in a systematic and sustainable manner.
Officials noted that the ATP Guidelines mark the first time railway operators have been formally guided under a unified framework to deliver services that respond to the diverse needs of commuters. The policy is also set to be fully embedded in major flagship projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway Project, reinforcing the government’s goal of building a modern transport network that leaves no passenger behind.
