The government is planning to launch a carpooling program to help reduce transportation costs and traffic congestion amid rising fuel prices caused by tensions in the Middle East.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), together with key agencies and private transport companies, is the drafting guidelines for the initiative. The move follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to find immediate solutions to improve mobility in Metro Manila.
Under the proposal, private vehicle owners can register to offer carpool services, while companies are encouraged to provide shuttle services for employees. Participants must secure a special permit or QR code from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and submit details such as routes, vehicles, and passenger eligibility.
The program will follow a strict point-to-point system, allowing only one pickup and one drop-off location per trip. Carpooling trips will be limited to peak hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, to avoid competing with public transportation.
Officials said safety standards and traffic rules will be strictly enforced. Authorities also clarified that the program will not add more vehicles to the roads, as it will use existing cars.
Final guidelines are expected after Holy Week. The program aims to cut fuel use, lower commuting costs, and ease traffic, and will run for the duration of the current emergency or as determined by the LTFRB.
