A look back at 2025 – Twelve hopes and congratulations for the conclusion of mobility in the new year

Congratulations on completing the year 2025 to all those who survived the chaotic traffic situation. A year full of surprises – some pleasant, some devastating – is coming to an end. Before we turn to 2026, let’s take a look at the wishes for better mobility.

Infrastructure and Foundations

Advance the EDSA Renovation

The long-feared renovation of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue is on the agenda. The Department of Transportation has found a compromise: instead of a two-year total blockade, the repair will be carried out in two phases of four months each. The budget has been reduced from the original 17 billion Philippine Pesos to 6 billion. The first phase started on December 24 and is expected to last until April/May 2026. We hope that after that, potholes won’t immediately reappear after the next typhoon.

Develop Pedestrian-Friendly Traffic Routes

Sidewalks are often destroyed during repairs or simply do not exist. A functioning traffic system needs safe, well-lit paths for pedestrians – not just roads reserved for cars. At the same time, stricter action must be taken against drivers who ignore crosswalks, bike lanes, and sidewalks.

Expand Public Charging Infrastructure

The number of electric vehicles is increasing, but charging infrastructure is lagging behind. Although there are new charging points in shopping centers, they are often fully occupied – even by cars that are already fully charged. A more widespread supply would be essential for the mobility transition.

Road Safety

Ensure Reliability in Public Transportation

Reports of bus accidents due to alleged “brake failure” are concerning. Passengers are afraid when they see buses, jeepneys, or trucks. Although authorities are trying to remove faulty vehicles from the roads, more personnel and, above all, awareness among operators that human lives are in their hands are needed.

Protect Motorcycle Riders

Motorcycle riders are especially at risk. The frequent news of riders being trapped under vehicles cannot be ignored. Excessive caution is infinitely better than reckless speed – the only acceptable goal is to reach your destination intact.

Improve Traffic Police Training

Enforcement officers deserve recognition for their service. But their presence at intersections often worsens traffic jams when they manipulate traffic lights. Better training in understanding traffic flow could change this.

Order and Rule Compliance

Clear Streets of Illegal Vendors

Vendors have a right to livelihood, but not on the streets. During the holiday season, congestion caused by vendors is further intensified – a dangerous situation.

Enforce EDSA Busway Privileges

The bus lane is reserved for city buses, with exceptions for ambulances, fire trucks, and top government officials. However, abuse of this lane has become daily. Contactless detection measures should make violations clearly visible and penalize them.

Revive Mabuhay Lanes

These lanes can serve as less congested options only if residents cooperate – no parked cars, no street vendors, no arbitrary crossing.

Improve Traffic Culture

Promote Courtesy

Rash overtaking, unnecessary honking at green lights, failure to use turn signals – simple courtesy would improve many situations. Drivers should relearn how to queue and take traffic rules seriously.

Increase Comfort in Public Transit

MRT, LRT, buses, and jeepneys are chronically overcrowded. Traveling resembles a sardine can. While overcrowding occurs everywhere, it reaches extreme levels here. Better infrastructure would have been the result of consistent government investment.

Establish Intelligent Traffic Enforcement

Service and rule compliance are interconnected. Only those who effectively enforce traffic rules can improve traffic flow.

With these twelve hopes, we wish all road users a year of improvement, safety, and mutual consideration as we close this chaotic year.