Daily Commute Takes New Heights Makati, Quezon City, and Pasay, Philippines

11M

PAssENGER TRIPs PER YEAR

Inhabitants 863,400

GdP per capita $877

Geographic area 203 km²

ThE ChAllENGE

The outdated nature of Dushanbe's trolleybus infrastructure has forced residents to rely on more heavilypolluting modes of transport, instead of incentivizing a low-carbon option powered by relatively cheap and abundant hydropower.

CO-BENEFITs

health

Trolleybuses are considered one of the safest forms of public transport and the number of traffic accidents in Dushanbe compared with 2017 numbers decreased by almost 60%.

Environmental

The electric trolleybuses have zero tailpipe emissions, offering a low-pollution transport alternative to private vehicles and contributing to healthier air quality for citizens.

Economic

Four modern Belarusian trolleybuses were purchased as part of the project that work with energy savings of up to 45%.

leveraging the legacy of tajikistan’s trolleybuses

dating back to the 1950s, dushanbe’s antiquated trolleybus system was not keeping pace with modern life, but a refurbishment is breathing life into the system to make e-mobility popular again.

A 5-year refurbishment of the electric trolleybuses in Tajikistan’s capital is bringing a transport favorite from the Soviet Union years into the 21st century. The spacious buses, connected to overhead electric cables for power, provide a lowcarbon and affordable mode of transit through the city.

Trolleybuses had previously been essential for mobility in Dushanbe, providing a fossil fuel-free transportation option following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the periodic disruption of oil supplies throughout the 1990s. Trolleybuses hence thrived in the years when gasoline-powered transportation was crippled, and grew to a fleet of 250 units.

As oil supplies stabilized and competing travel modes emerged, the trolleybus system fell out of favor and were thus poorly maintained, forcing the elimination of poorly frequented routes and reduction of the fleet to 50 units.

The European Union-funded project reconstructed the old infrastructure to improve the quality and reliability of the seven-route transit system. Having facilitated 11 million passenger trips per year when it was dilapidated, city authorities predict the renewed system will boost this number significantly.

low-carbon transport for dushanbe. Dushanbe, home to over 800,000 people, is the capital city of mountainous Tajikistan. The project is expected to boost e-mobility among locals (photo by ADB).

80%

OF TRIPs ARE TAKEN WITh PRIVATE TRANsPORT IN sOME AREAs

Inhabitants Quezon City: 2.94 million Makati : 582,602 Pasay: 416,522

GdP per capita Quezon City: $9,507* Makati: $9,507* Pasay: $9,507*

Geographic area Quezon City: 166 km² Makati: 22 km² Pasay: 14 km²

*regional data

ThE ChAllENGE

In some areas, such as Quezon City, private transportation comprises over 80% of trips. By promoting integrated public transportation, the city can reduce GHG emissions from transportation and improve air quality.

CO-BENEFITs

health

The elevated walkways are designed to improve pedestrian safety and comfort, while at the same time reducing conflicts on the street level between pedestrians and motor vehicles.

Economic

Wider economic benefits are expected for local businesses as well as the greater region through congestion reduction.

daily Commute takes new heights

The metropolitan area surrounding Manila is aiming to attract more pedestrians and increase the use of public transportation with new elevated walkways.

A 5 km elevated pedestrian walkway along EDSA is being constructed. The EDSA Greenways project will have four common stations in Balintawak, Cubao, Guadalupe, and Taft Avenue, all along the EDSA thoroughfare. The new paths will also connect to other public transportation options to improve the area for pedestrians and encourage the switch from private to public transportation.

The construction and renovation of footbridges, and addition of elevators, will protect pedestrians from the elements and help to improve access for the elderly and people with disabilities.

By enhancing the efficiency of public transport interchange, it is anticipated that more commuters will forego driving their cars in favor of the more attractive public transportation options. There is also a plan to link the city through the ferry system.

improving mobility in the metro. The elevated walkways will improve access to public I transport and reduce the reliance on private wa vehicles in the capital (photo by Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd.).

land Use and Forestry

land use and forestry projects can play a big role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Trees are being planted in and around cities in Asia and the Pacific to leverage a multitude of benefits including carbon sequestration, flood protection, reduced heat stress, and improved recreational opportunities.