In a move signaling greater digital transformation in public transportation, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has announced the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) full support for the integration of Rush PH, a commuter-driven, web-based application that provides real-time train arrival data across Metro Manila’s rail network.
Developed by commuter and technologist Joshua Bumanlag, Rush PH allows users to view and report train arrivals and platform crowd levels at MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 stations. The platform uses crowdsourcing to generate live updates, enabling commuters to better plan their trips amid regular service delays and congestion.
“This application is great because it has crowdsourcing and gets real-time response from commuters,” Dizon said during a meeting with Bumanlag. “I admire Joshua because, apart from helping our fellow commuters, we can keep up with other countries when it is fully operational and integrated into our rail lines.”
Dizon confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is backing the initiative, aligning it with the administration’s goal of easing daily commuter challenges through digitalization.
The DOTr plans to fully integrate Rush PH into the MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 systems, with future expansions eyed for the EDSA Busway, a high-capacity corridor serving thousands of commuters daily. Dizon added that the platform’s bus integration could eventually mirror Singapore’s advanced transit tracking systems.
Bumanlag, who personally monitored headways across all three rail lines before launching the app, emphasized ease of use as a key design principle. “I don’t want to complicate things. I want this to be simple for commuters because I’m a commuter myself,” he said.
Beyond tracking arrivals, the platform allows users to report delays, malfunctions, and crowd density—indicating whether stations are empty, moderate, crowded, or packed.
With full government support and public interest in smarter transport systems growing, Rush PH is poised to become a model for digital transport solutions in the country.
