In a February 6 press release, the Embassy of Sweden in Manila said the grant will fund the development of national bus standards aimed at improving safety, quality, and inclusivity in urban public transport across the Philippines. The release, however, did not specify the amount of the study grant or clarify whether it forms part of earlier Swedish funding support for transport initiatives in the country.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez underscored the importance of the partnership, linking it to the administration’s push to modernize public mobility.

“Today’s signing of the agreement between the Philippines and Sweden affirms President Marcos’ goal to move more people with the continued development of Philippine bus standards,” Lopez said.

He added that the initiative reflects a broader policy shift toward prioritizing commuters over private vehicles.

“President Marcos has made it clear that we must shift away from a car-centric transport model into a more inclusive and commuter-centric approach. 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 transport chief said.

Under the agreement, the study will help formulate normative specifications for urban buses, including minibuses, using international best practices tailored to local transport conditions.

The project aims to equip the DOTr with a unified bus classification system, standard technical parameters, and performance-based specifications for various Public Utility Bus (PUB) categories.

Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry said the initiative reflects a shared priority to improve everyday mobility for commuters.

“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. Sweden is proud to work alongside the Philippines in developing standards that are firmly grounded in local conditions and priorities,” she said.

The project aligns with the DOTr’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) and existing Philippine National Standards related to vehicle safety, accessibility, and environmental performance.

Sweden has been supporting Philippine transport planning for several years.

Since 2018, Swedfund has provided around SEK 10 million (about ₱65 million) in grants for the development of the EDSA Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, covering feasibility studies, system planning, and technical reviews.

In 2025, Sweden extended its support with an additional SEK 3 million (over ₱19.5 million) to further advance the BRT feasibility study, including engineering designs, public-private partnership advisory, and capacity-building initiatives.

With the latest study grant focused on national bus standards, the partnership signals continued cooperation on public transport reform — an area seen as critical to easing congestion, improving commuter experience, and making urban mobility safer and more efficient across the country.

At the 2025 Transportation Forum, co-organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and Team Sweden, Swedish officials and companies showcased innovations that align with the Philippine government’s push for sustainable mobility.

Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines Anna Ferry cited the Scandinavian country’s Vision Zero framework, which has halved road fatalities in Sweden since its adoption in 1997.

“All lives matter. The goal of Vision Zero is to have zero fatalities or seriously injured from road accidents. Vision Zero is not just a transport policy, it’s a shared responsibility across sectors. Road safety is embedded in health, urban development, education including behavioral change, and enforcement frameworks. That systemic approach is crucial for diminishing the staggering number of fatalities and injured,” Ambassador Ferry said.

She emphasized Sweden’s collaboration with the Philippine government through Swedfund.

Volvo Buses highlighted how bus rapid transit (BRT) systems can ease congestion while cutting accidents and emissions.

“Smart mass transportation systems are key to reducing emissions, noise, and accidents in urban areas,” said Mats Nilsson, Vice President of Volvo Buses Asia Pacific.

Engr. Chris Flores of Axis Communications demonstrated how artificial intelligence and video data can improve safety and operational efficiency in public transport systems.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) welcomed Sweden’s initiatives, which complement the Philippines’ National Transport Policy and Road Safety Action Plan.

Key projects include the EDSA BRT expansion, new rail systems such as the PNR South Long Haul and Mindanao Railway, and the acceleration of electric vehicle adoption under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).

Senator JV Ejercito, speaking at the forum’s close, called for stronger European-Philippine collaboration on public transport systems.

Sweden has been a consistent partner in the Philippines’ shift to sustainable mobility, providing grants for BRT systems in Iloilo and Metro Manila, and contributing to railway and clean energy projects. V. Uy