Transport: The tangible face of an upper-middle-income country

By Ray Adrian C. Macalalag

The Philippines’ World Bank classification as an upper-middle-income country is a milestone that inspires. It signifies resilience and growth, with gross national income per capita exceeding USD 4,636. However, progress is measured in daily life realities, especially in transportation. Efficient, safe, and affordable movement is the most immediate indicator of development. To sustain its new status, the transportation sector must be a strategic pillar of national progress.

Other upper-middle-income countries provide compelling lessons. China’s vast metro systems in Beijing and Shanghai, coupled with bike-sharing networks, have transformed urban mobility and reduced congestion. Brazil’s Curitiba pioneered bus rapid transit, a model that has been replicated globally, while São Paulo’s metro expansions cut commute times dramatically. South Africa’s Rea Vaya BRT in Johannesburg improved access for low-income commuters, reducing reliance on informal minibus taxis. Mexico City integrated its metro with Ecobici bike-sharing, expanding cycling infrastructure and reducing emissions. Turkey’s Marmaray rail tunnel connected Europe and Asia, easing bottlenecks and strengthening regional integration. These examples show that transport investments are not just about moving people; they are about shaping inclusive, sustainable cities and making development visible to citizens.

We have embarked on ambitious projects: the Metro Manila Subway, the North-South Commuter Railway, MRT-7, and the LRT-1 Cavite Extension. Cebu’s BRT and the modernization of jeepneys under the PUV program aim to rationalize bus systems. These initiatives reflect recognition that transport is central to development. Yet despite these investments, we lag behind our peers in execution. Congestion in Metro Manila remains among the worst globally, even when compared with ASEAN neighbors. The gap between plans and delivery is stark, and delays in project execution are a major weakness that undermines credibility.

My recent trip to Jakarta stressed this point vividly. Experiencing Transjakarta’s bus rapid transit system and Jakarta’s MRT was a revelation. Dedicated lanes, organized stations, and reliable schedules offered a stark contrast to the fragmented and congested systems back home. What impressed me most was how students, workers, and families relied on the BRT daily, confident in its accessibility and affordability. Jakarta, like Manila, is a sprawling metropolis with complex challenges. Yet Indonesia’s commitment to scaling BRT infrastructure demonstrates that political will and disciplined execution can overcome urban transport chaos. The Philippines must take this lesson to heart. Delays in project execution are not just technical issues; they erode public trust and weaken the tangible benefits of upper-middle-income country status.

The challenges are clear: congestion reduces productivity and quality of life, infrastructure gaps persist, transport affordability and accessibility are uneven, and implementation delays stall progress. These problems affect commuters, workers, and families daily. If left unaddressed, they risk undermining the Philippines’ hard-earned status.

To maintain upper-middle-income country status, the Philippines must prioritize transport as a strategic development pillar. A bold, politically independent transport master plan is crucial. Systems should benefit low-income and marginalized groups, not just urban elites. Cycling, pedestrian pathways, and electric vehicle infrastructure should align with climate goals. Local government units must effectively execute and monitor projects with transparency. Benchmarking against peers in bus rapid transit, metro systems, and active mobility integration will provide models for inclusive, low-carbon transport.

The Philippines’ upper-middle-income country milestone is a moment of pride, but it is also a call to action. Transportation is the sector where development is most visible, and delays in project execution are the Achilles’ heel of progress. If the Philippines is to maintain and deepen its upper-middle-income country status, it must confront its transport challenges head-on. Delivering projects on time, ensuring inclusivity, and embracing sustainability will not only maintain this economic classification but also make development real for millions of Filipinos. Mobility is the measure of progress, and we cannot afford to fall behind.

Note: I retained the original paragraph structure and made only necessary edits. I also formatted “USD 4,636” per your currency style and spelled out “upper-middle-income country” on reference for clarity. The World Bank’s July 1, 2026, classification placed the Philippines in the upper-middle-income group, with GNI per capita exceeding the USD 4,636 threshold.