Mobility in the Philippines
In the Philippines, mobility plays a critical role in shaping daily life, economic productivity, and social inclusion. Every day, millions of Filipinos commute through public and private transport systems—riding jeepneys, buses, trains, tricycles, and motorcycles—to reach schools, workplaces, and essential services. Yet, for many, moving around cities like Metro Manila can be a struggle.
Mobility—especially in terms of transportation, accessibility, and sustainable infrastructure—is directly and indirectly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Active Transportation
In Metro Manila, buses and trains play a big role in helping people travel every day, especially from nearby provinces. The bus lane along EDSA, also known as the EDSA Busway, is a dedicated lane for public buses. It helps move thousands of commuters faster and more safely by avoiding heavy traffic. These buses connect people from cities like Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Mandaluyong, and Taguig, and even from nearby areas like Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna.
Rationalized Bus Transit Map
Alongside buses, the train system also supports daily travel. The LRT-1 runs from Dr. Santos (Sucat) to Roosevelt (Quezon City), passing through Manila. The LRT-2 connects Recto (Manila) to Antipolo (Rizal), serving the eastern part of Metro Manila. The MRT-3 travels along EDSA, linking North Avenue (Quezon City) to Taft Avenue (Pasay).
LRT and MRT Stations
Public Transportation and its importance to Liveable City
Data Source: Department of Transportation, 2022-24
Visuals by: Francine Regencia
The Mass Rapid Transit Line 3 (MRT3) has experienced a steady and significant increase in ridership over the past three years.
In 2022, MRT3 recorded a total yearly ridership of 98.3 million passengers, translating to an average daily ridership of 273,141. This year marked the beginning of a post-pandemic recovery, as more people resumed commuting to work, school, and leisure activities. The figures indicate a strong baseline for future growth, especially as service confidence and urban mobility continued to normalize.
By 2023, MRT3 saw a dramatic surge in demand, with ridership jumping to 129 million passengers annually, a 31% increase over the previous year. The daily average rose to 357,198 riders, suggesting improved operational capacity, higher train frequencies, and growing public trust in the MRT system.
In 2024, the MRT3 train system carried a lot of passengers every day, showing that many people rely on it to get around. The total number of passengers for the whole year was about 135.9 million, which is more than the year before. This steady increase means that many people still want to use the MRT3 because it is a helpful and reliable way to travel.
Data Source: Light Rail Manila Corporation, 2023; BusinessWorld, 2024
The Manila Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) was opened in 1984, with its initial section running from Baclaran Station to Central Terminal Station. Today, the line has expanded to include 25 stations, incorporating the newly opened stations that are part of the Cavite Extension (Redemptorist-Aseana, MIA road, PITX, Ninoy Aquino Ave, and Dr. Santos). It serves commuters traveling from the south (Parañaque) to the north (Quezon City), and features interchange points with MRT-3 at Taft Avenue and LRT-2 at Recto Station.
2022: Steady Use
In 2022, LRT-1 served approximately 31 million passengers throughout the year, with an average of about 95,877 riders daily.
2023: Sharp Increase
Ridership jumped considerably in 2023, reaching 48 million passengers annually — a sharp increase from the previous year. The daily average grew to 149,331 passengers, signaling a rising demand for public transit and a growing confidence in LRT-1 services.
2024: The Public Reliance on LRT-1
In 2024, Business World reported that the annual number of passengers for LRT-1 was approximately 118 million, while the daily ridership was 323,000.
In 2022, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) served a total of 31,639,945 passengers over the course of the year. On average, this translated to approximately 95,879 daily riders making use of the transit system.
The following year, 2023, saw a significant increase in ridership, with the annual number climbing to 49,428,645 passengers. This growth was also reflected in the daily average, which rose to 154,495 riders per day.
Looking ahead to 2024, the projections suggest continued strong performance, with an expected yearly ridership of 53,029,000 passengers. Despite a slight decrease in the daily average to 147,618 riders, the overall annual figure showcases the demand for more public transportation options.
New Mobility
In the evolving landscape of urban development, the concept of “new mobility” has emerged as a transformative approach to how people move through cities; it correlates with the idea of innovation and concepts about urban mobility.
It includes better transportation technology, infrastructure development such as hubs, stations, and terminals, safer roads, eco-friendly vehicles. It is not just about introducing new vehicles or services — it is about reimagining the urban experience and transportation that align with environmental, social, and economic goals.
The Importance of New Mobility in Building a Liveable City
As cities grow and experience challenges from climate change, urbanization, and inequality, the adoption of new mobility is essential to building places where people not only live but thrive.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles in the Philippines
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the Philippines has steadily grown over the years, fueled by supportive government policies, incentives, and initiatives. This growth is further strengthened by increasing private sector participation and a growing interest among Filipino consumers in cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.
As of March 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) reported over 900 publicly accessible EV charging stations nationwide. This expansion of infrastructure, along with rising EV sales and policy backing, highlights the country’s progress toward a more modern and environmentally conscious transport system.
Today, EVs in the Philippines are no longer limited to private ownership. Local governments have begun utilizing them for their public services—ranging from mobile health clinics and police patrol vehicles to free community ride programs. In the commercial sector, EVs are also making inroads, particularly in logistics, shuttle operations, and other transport-related services.
Beyond their environmental advantages, EVs offer resilience against fuel price volatility, provide new economic opportunities, and enhance public transportation systems across communities. The shift toward electric mobility marks a significant step toward a cleaner, more efficient, and inclusive future for Philippine transportation.
Number of Registered Electric Vehicles
Data Source: Source, Year
Visuals by: Francine Regencia
The number of registered electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines has seen a significant increase from 2021 to 2024. In 2021, there were 8,594 registered EVs. By 2024, this number had nearly tripled based on the latest data, with 24,286 registered EVs.
Mr. Edmund Araga, President of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), cited data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) showing that from January to July 2025, a total of 29,715 EVs have already been registered—surpassing the total number of EVs registered in the entire year of 2024. The projected total number of registered EVs for 2025 is approximately 35,000. The data includes various types of electric vehicles, such as e-trikes, e-motorcycles, e-utility vehicles, e-cars, e-sports utility vehicles (e-SUVs), e-trucks, and e-buses. According to EVAP, the majority of EVs registered with the LTO are e-trikes and e-motorcycles.
The rising number of registered electric vehicles highlights the growing support and adoption of EV technology in the Philippines.
Fun Facts
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Accelerating Clean Transport:
Electric Vehicle Regulations and Governance in the Philippines
As the Philippines takes steps toward a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future, electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of this transformation. With traffic congestion, rising fuel costs, and environmental challenges, electric mobility can offer a sustainable solution.
Beyond the innovation and technology, what truly drives progress is a strong regulatory and governance framework that supports the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country.
Here is a closer look at how the Philippine government is laying the groundwork for an electric transport revolution.
What is the Legal Framework Behind EVs in the Philippines?
The shift to electric mobility in the Philippines is guided by Republic Act No. 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). This sets the national policy for developing the local EV industry. Its goal is to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, promote sustainable transport, and support green innovation and jobs.
Who is tasked to lead the charge?
Under the EVIDA law, the Department of Energy (DOE) is tasked to coordinate with other government agencies, local governments, and private stakeholders to build a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem.
EVIDA also mandates the creation of the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI), a long-term plan that outlines key strategies for vehicle adoption, charging infrastructure, manufacturing, workforce development, and others.
Supporting Infrastructure and Industry Standards
One of EVIDA’s key provisions is required development of EV charging networks across the country. Commercial and industrial are encouraged to install charging stations, while local government units (LGU) play a critical role in issuing permits and allocating space for EV-related infrastructure.
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Powering the Shift:
EV Charging Station in the Philippines
As of March 31, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) reported that there were 912 publicly accessible EV charging stations in the Philippines, mostly located in Metro Manila and nearby regions. The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) aims to have 60,000 charging stations by 2028.
The private sector plays a crucial role in scaling up EV charging stations. Malls have been key players in leading the development of charging hubs. Major developers like Ayala Malls (through AC Mobility), SM Supermalls, Megaworld, and Robinsons are building charging stations in parking areas — offering EV drivers the convenience to “park, plug, and shop.”
A Step Toward a Greener Philippines
EV charging stations are more than just infrastructure — they are clear indicators of the Philippines' progress in green mobility. The road to sustainable transportation is long, but the country is making bold strides toward that goal. With the rising adoption of electric vehicles, progressive laws like the EVIDA Law, an expanding network of charging infrastructure, and a growing number of registered EVs, the Philippines is moving steadily toward a greener future.
While challenges remain, the momentum is undeniable — driven by collaboration between the government, industries, the private sector, and the Filipino people.
As we charge forward, every EV on the road, every policy enacted, and every charging hub installed brings us closer to a more livable, resilient, and sustainable Philippines, every EV on the road, every law passed, and every charging hub installed brings us closer to a more liveable, resilient, and greener Philippines.