It will be achieved by developing national bus standards.
Last February 5, the Department of Transportation formally signed a grant agreement with the Government of Sweden.
Through the latter’s development finance institution Swedfund, the government is looking to enhance the country’s bus system by developing a set of national bus standards.
These measures are aimed at improving safety, quality and inclusivity in urban public transport across the Philippines.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez told that this agreement reflects the administration’s push for a commuter-centric system, adding “By improving our bus systems and public transport infrastructure, we can transport more people, help them save time spent on the road, and alleviate vehicular traffic.”
The grant will fund the formulation of normative specifications for urban buses (including minibuses) all aligned with international best practices and adapted to local transport conditions.
The project will also provide DOTr with a unified bus classification system, standard technical
parameters, and functional performance-based specifications for various Public Utility Bus (PUB) categories, aligned with its Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) and various Philippine National Standards related to vehicle safety, accessibility, and environmental performance.
“Safe, efficient, and reliable public transport is a shared priority for both Sweden and the
Philippines. By working together on bus standards, we are combining international experience with local knowledge to improve everyday mobility for Filipino commuters,” expressed Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry.
She added, “Sweden is proud to work alongside the Philippines in developing standards that are firmly grounded in local conditions and priorities.”
Since 2018, Swedfund has provided approximately SEK 10 million (PHP 65 million) in grants that supported the EDSA Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) development—funding feasibility studies, system planning, and technical reviews.
In 2025, Sweden further deepened gave an additional SEK 3 million (over PHP 19.5 million) grant to extend the EDSA Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) feasibility study and deliver advanced technical assistance, including engineering designs, PPP advisory, and capacity-building initiatives.