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In my opinion, cruise tourism will recover fast as tourist demand will increase because it has been a long time since they have closed the borders for cruise lines and people want to experience it again. However, to create a safe environment for tourists against COVID 19, cruise line management will not immediately accommodate at 100% capacity. Therefore, there will still be losses for a cruise line and even though they have passengers every day, it will not be the same because companies will struggle on creating budget cuts and different circumstances that affect the company and especially the maintenance of cruise ships. I suggest that small and large businesses in the cruise tourism industry should promote vaccination because it will enable more opportunities for them. For example, they will give discounts for people who got fully vaccinated or even on their first dose. It will engage people and surely the passenger measures of governments will timely increase to 100% capacity when everyone has been vaccinated against the virus.

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Despite being significantly affected by the coronavirus outbreak, I also believe that the cruise industry will gradually recover, specifically with the health protocols that assure health and safety and increase consumer confidence to travel. As governments ease restrictions on travel, the large businesses in the cruise industry, like the Disney Cruise Line, are actually reportedly ready to start operations and set sail by January 2022. For me, it is actually remarkable how quickly they have prepared to satisfy the tourists’ appetites for traveling, and they even have new and additional product offers to encourage tourism. With large businesses spearheading the operations and setting new guidelines in cruise tourism, I believe that the small businesses will also start operating in the light of the safety protocols necessary for both the tourists and the crew. Additionally, I would like to say that it was such a nice strategy that many cruise lines are offering bonus credits instead of money refunds for last-minute cancellations, in order to encourage passengers and tourists alike to use their credits again in the near future. The cruise industry was adversely affected by the pandemic, but I believe that with strict implementations of health and safety measures, those who directly and indirectly rely on cruise tourism for livelihood, like the island nations and the tourism supply providers, will once again have the chance to successfully operate, prosper, and provide tourists the chance to have a satisfying cruise tourism experience.

(Reference: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/us/)

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With the easing of government restrictions on travel, the cruise tourism industry is slowly starting to recover. This is evidenced by a report made by Carnival Corp., the world’s largest cruise company, which states that the bookings for the second half of 2022 has already surpassed the bookings for the year 2019.

The pandemic has brought about a lot of changes in the world, an example of which is that health protocols such as social distancing must be implemented and followed, to avoid crowds and close contacts that could lead to a covid-19 outbreak in the area. In order to prepare themselves for a successful operation, businesses in the cruise tourism industry should use technology to its advantage by putting bookings and transactions online. This ensures that there is as little contact as possible between people. Those in the food and beverage industry and those that operate spas must make sure that all their employees are fully vaccinated and regularly tested so as not to spread the virus among themselves and to the consumers.

Even after the pandemic, health protocols would still need to be followed, for the cruise industry this means that they would not be able to operate at full capacity, some of their activities must be removed and consumers must be tested, vaccinated, and must abide by the health protocols set by different countries, cities, and establishments. In order to be able to lessen their losses, cruise lines must find a way to increase capacity and at the same time still follow health and safety protocols.

The recovery of the cruise industry, although it may be slow and steady, is possible. This is especially because of the demand of consumers who would like to engage in cruise tourism again. As long as extra measures for the safety of everyone is implemented and followed, the industry will surely be able to set sail once more.

(Reference: https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-11-03/covid-changed-cruises-cruise-ship-safety-protocols-what-to-know)

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Fun Fact About Me: I recently into Cycling, the farthest I've been with my bike is 70km. I love to dance and I have been dancing for seven years. In fact po, I am a member of the UP Filpiniana Dance Group. I hope you'll watch our upcoming concert next year. (hahaha nag promote).

Dream Destination: France, Iceland, and Malaysia

Favorite Mode of Transportation: Car, Airplane, and Train.

Mode of Transportation I Like to Try Soon: Riding a Horse since almost every mode of transportation I already have experience.

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Fun Fact About Me: I don't drink coffee, but I can pull all-nighters without caffeine.

Dream Destinations: Europe (Italy, Greece, Iceland), Japan, Australia

Favorite Mode of Transportation: Transit Bus, Bike

Mode of Transportation I'd like to try soon: Coach, Cruise Ship

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Fun fact about me: I am a track and field athlete and have lived in different places just for training, such as California for 3 weeks, Zambales for 1 month, Zambales again for 3 months, and Baguio for 6 months now.

Dream destination: Greece

Favorite mode of transportation: motorcycle, car, airplane

Mode of transportation I'd like to try soon: cruise ships hehe

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Cars everywhere. Photo by Jan-Daniel Belmonte

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Although there was a significant number of bike commuters before the pandemic, biking as a form of transportation was not really seen as a norm. The lack of smart design and proper infrastructures also adds to the reason why most Filipinos think it is dangerous to bike out on the open road and would rather not try doing it for commute.

Reference:
https://www.cyclingmatters.ph/advocacy/the-real-problem-with-cycling-in-the-ph/

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This is not an actual photo of when I got hit by a car, but it's the only photo I could find of me using my bike.

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As an athlete, my parents don't always have time to pick me up to and from training, but despite that I still need to show up at training everyday. Because there is no track and field team in our school, I would need to train with my own private coach at the Ultra PhilSports Complex. Luckily I live near Ultra, so I would either walk or bike going to training.

Because of the lack of bike lanes in Pasig back then (2017), I have experienced getting hit by a car while I was on my way to training. Nothing really happened to me and my bike, but I still got shocked and opted to just walk going to training for awhile.

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Pedestrians refusing to use the footbridge by walking over the (then) newly built wall.

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The article written by visor.ph (2018) highlights how unnecessary the new footbridge between Capitol Commons Starbucks and Ministop Kapitolyo is. The article mentions that the residents of the area are not amused, and as a resident of Kapitolyo who usually passes by Capitol Commons, I can attest to that.

When they first closed the ground-level pedestrian crossing, I felt annoyed because I would no longer be able to easily cross to or from capitol commons. Because of the footbridge, if I were late for training, I wouldn't be able to run to the other side with no hassle, and if I had my bike I would either have to take the long way or somehow carry my bike up the footbridge. What was also annoying is that the covered escalators were always broken so even if they were there, they did not help at all. The elevator for senior citizens and PWDs also did not work.

I agree with the writer when he says that the ground-level crossing should have just been improved, and that creating the footbridge shows how cars are being prioritized once again by being given more space.

Reference:
https://visor.ph/traffic/closure-of-pedestrian-crossing-in-pasig-irks-residents/?fbclid=IwAR27sYseAPQOvb9YUqBtlfsqI689EwOs9kLI6GIB1XtbeKcU_btUX-rIx28

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A man pushing around his ice cream cart. 

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Before the pandemic, you would usually see street vendors selling either random products, dirty ice cream, fruits, or tusok-tusok, roaming around the busy Manila streets trying to get both locals and tourists alike to buy their products.

The typical way for them to travel is either by walking, like for those selling taho or sampaguita or rugs, or by riding a bicycle as seen from those that sell pandesal or lumpia, or by pushing carts, as seen from those selling buko or dirty ice cream.

References:
https://www.willflyforfood.net/filipino-food-guide-discovering-philippine-street-food/
https://liveinthephilippines.com/street-food/
https://asianfoodnetwork.com/en/articles/guide--eating-your-way-through-manila-s-mobile-street-food-vendo.html
https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2011/04/22/the-street-vendors-of-manila/
https://www.glorious-food-glossary.com/cms/photo-gallery/17223-part-3-roaming-food-vendors-in-the-philippines-my-everyday-heroes.html

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The country's first LGU-led protected bike lanes, across Kapitolyo intersection

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Pasig City boasts of a human-centered infrastructure with the newly opened protected bike lanes along the Kapitolyo intersection. They have also posted guides and infographics on their Facebook page to teach the public how to use the bike boxes. This infrastructure is considered to be human-centered because it prioritizes the bikers and their safety.

According to a friend of mine, traffic enforcers in Kapitolyo are very strict when it comes to the bike boxes and bike lanes. He told me that there is huli there and that enforcers stop and reprimand motorcycles and cars that pass through the bike lanes. He also said that the newly added infrastructure helps him feel safe while biking.

Aside from this, there are also a lot of other areas wherein newly built bike lanes and signages are being added or planned. Another example is Baguio City's Session Road, wherein there is a newly opened bike lane.

References:
https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/the-latest-news-features/87404/pasig-city-opens-protected-bike-lanes-in-kapitolyo-a833-20210914
https://www.topgear.com.ph/news/motoring-news/bike-box-kapitolyo-intersection-a4354-20210921
https://www.topgear.com.ph/news/motoring-news/pasig-city-protected-bike-lanes-a4354-20210913

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A man pushing his sorbetes or dirty ice cream cart while using a face mask to protect himself from the virus

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Since the start of the pandemic, the different variations of lockdowns, especially in Metro Manila has negatively affected the different street vendors. Aside from the restrictions, there are also some people that are still scared to buy from roaming vendors, causing their sales to be significantly lower compared to before the pandemic. According to Flora Assidao-Santos, Secretary General of Metro Manila Vendor’s Association (MMVA), there was also a time wherein Public Transportation was suspended, so the street vendors had no other choice but to walk for around 23km.

Reference:
https://th.boell.org/en/2021/09/13/she-cession

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With the current bicycle boom being experienced in the country, officials are starting to recognize the importance and the benefits that come with infrastructures that are more focused on the people. As city officials are starting to invest in projects that are not car centered, like the P1.3-billion funding for the installation of a bike lane network in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, the completion of the 497 kms of bike lane markings and signages, cycling education, and more, we could expect to see a more sustainable future for active transport. This also includes wider roads focused on people-mobility and spaces that are safe enough for people to want to walk or bike.

References:
https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/02/09/business/columnists-business/time-for-bike-bike-bike-program/508708
https://wwf.org.ph/resource-center/story-archives-2021/world-bicycle-day/
https://www.rappler.com/moveph/cycling-advocates-pedal-sustainable-transport-forward
https://dotr.gov.ph/55-dotrnews/3695-dotr-completes-497-kms-of-bike-lane-markings-signages-in-ncr-metro-cebu-and-metro-davao.html
https://nolisoli.ph/80401/biking-as-the-new-normal-mode-of-transportation-ymagcamit-20200515/

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The walkable pearl drive is a project that was envisioned even before the pandemic. It is an attempt to make the area more safe and human-centered.

While I was studying in the University of Asia and the Pacific during senior high school, I would usually walk to and from school. I have experienced firsthand having to pass through the creekside walkways, the crowded corners and driveways, and feeling unsafe as I do so. I was one of the students who signed the petition for The Pearl Project since I recognized the need for better infrastructures for pedestrians, especially because I engaged in active transport a lot.

Before the pandemic, the local government already started testing out this project by closing Pearl Drive to cars during Sundays and inviting vendors and bike rental services to fill the streets.

More sustainable and walkable cities are needed for a better future for our country's transportation system; not only will it make public transportation more safe and convenient but it will also reduce the traffic congestion.

Efforts towards more pedestrian friendly areas, such as the plan to provide walkable lanes in several pedestrian congested areas along Edsa, Barangay Planning, and calls for a walkable community is a start. It is not just The Pearl Project, but also other projects envisioned by different architects and urban planners that we need to support.

These types of projects need patience as it is more focused on long term development and is typically looked at from an 18 to 30-year window, which is why government support is important to be able to fund, support, and apply the ideas and projects that recapture public open spaces in order to better the overall commuting experience and to lessen the worsening traffic in our country.

References:
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/12/09/a-walkable-metro-manila/
https://cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/2018/07/26/Metro-Manila-pedestrian-friendly.html
https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/newsfeatures-peopleparties/80932/reimagining-metro-manila-urban-planners-a371-20200222-lfrm2
https://www.spot.ph/things-to-do/the-latest-things-to-do/85323/most-pedestrian-friendly-cities-metro-manila-a521-20210310
https://opinion.inquirer.net/89870/to-make-metro-manila-walkable

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Investing in smart, human-centered infrastructures will lead to sustainable communities. Not only does active transportation positively affect the overall health of communities by creating opportunities for people to add physical activity into their daily routine, but it also creates desirable living conditions.

Creating walkable areas, adding sidewalks, bike lanes, street lights and making the overall experience more safe and convenient will encourage locals to choose to engage in active transportation and create a culture wherein it will no longer feel like a hassle to walk, bike, etc to get to one's desired destination. This will have a domino effect as it will make using public transportation easier, and make it more convenient for tourists to be able to get around the country by commuting.

When people commute, they usually need to transfer from station to station or switch through various modes of public transportations. An example could be needing to go to Manila City from Pasig City. Before the pandemic, it was easier because there used to be a jeepney that passes by Capitol Commons and goes straight to Quiapo. But in circumstances wherein there is no space in jeepneys or like right now wherein the jeepneys that pass by Capitol Commons only offer travel until Mandaluyong, an option for a resident of Kapitolyo is to ride a tricycle going to the entrance of Kapitolyo, then cross the street and ride a jeepney until the MRT in Shaw Boulevard. Upon reaching Shaw Boulevard, one would need to climb up the stairs to get to the MRT station and buy a ticket going to Cubao Station, then once in Cubao transfer from the MRT to the LRT, buy a ticket, then go down at the station nearest to one's desired destination. A personal experience I have with engaging in active and public transport would be back when I still studied in Makati. There were times wherein I would walk from my school to Bonifacio Global City (BGC), then from BGC to Guadalupe, then ride a bangka going to Pasig, then either walk or ride a tricycle going home.

Developing plans and projects that are focused on human-centered infrastructures have multiple benefits, some of which include sustainability, healthy communities, reduced crime rate, and a better economy. It is also more affordable to be in a community wherein different modes of transportation are accessible and convenient, as compared to communities that prioritizes cars over people.

In my experience with regards to traveling to foreign places, I can say that it is more fun to be in a place wherein one could just commute going to the different destinations or tourist attractions. For example, when I was 15, I went to Hong Kong without my parents and I was still able to go to wherever I wanted because I already memorized how to get to different places by commuting from our relative's house. I love going to Hong Kong because traveling is made so much easier by their efficient public transportation system and walkable areas. It is so much harder to be in a foreign place wherein one would need to drive, as I have learned when I went to California. I was 16 at that time, and again, I was not with my parents. I couldn't go wherever I wanted and I had to wait for any of my relatives to have enough time to be able to take me out, and even if they did drive me around, I did not want to be demanding so I just let them take me wherever they wanted to go or to eat. It was not as fun as I did not have the freedom to explore the city and was not able to experience and immerse myself in the culture. I imagine that tourists visiting the Philippines would have the same sentiments with regards to the accessibility and convenience of public transportation in the country.

References:
https://planh.ca/take-action/healthy-environments/built-environments/page/active-transportation#:~:text=Active%20Transportation%20describes%20all%20human,modes%2C%20such%20as%20public%20transit.
https://www.transportation.gov/mission/health/active-transportation

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In my experience, I have commuted with different kinds of road-based transportation/Public Utility Vehicles in the Philippines such as jeepneys, buses, and tricycles. And it is pretty messy especially in a rush-hour like 6 pm because we had to run and wait while standing for us to have a seat on a PUV. Rush hour also means that you have to struggle with heavy traffic and I usually take that chance to sleep while sitting (do not worry I have friends with me when I go home therefore I am safe). This picture reminds me of that time when we commuted home from Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila (PUP) and I am from Quezon City so I remember that I have to travel for 1 hour - 1 hour and 30 minutes to get home and it still depends on the traffic situation. I usually take the Cubao-EDSA route because my friends always take that. We already know that Cubao is the most crowded place because that is where all the terminals for different destination take place.

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This picture also reminded me of how commuting works along the commonwealth avenue because there's no terminal where people can be safe without worrying about being run over therefore it is like a race where people run to get a seat on jeepneys and buses because that is the frequent transportation vehicle in the commonwealth avenue. The term "sabit" also happens when seats are already taken, and usually, only males are allowed to hang on the steps of the jeepney. I remember when I was in Tomas Morato and I attempted to hang on the end of the jeepney just to get home with my friend. My friend is also a female and fortunately, she got a seat inside the jeepney. I am the unfortunate one haha! And one male passenger initiated that I should be seated lol he switched places with me but I am okay with hanging on the jeep haha! That was supposed to be my first time to "sabit" on a jeepney but it failed.

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I have experienced riding a bus and jeepney again after long lockdowns and quarantine in Quezon City. However, it was just twice since we only take Grab Car for now to keep safe since the drivers have their vaccines already.

It is devastating to know that the jeepney, bus, and other PUV drivers are suffering because of the pandemic's effects on the number of passengers inside the vehicle and it also took a toll on the passengers as well because people need to get to their work and it is impossible because it will take time to have a seat because of the limited capacity for the vehicles to maintain social distancing.

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The central strategy for dealing with the evolving problem has been proposed by JICA (Steady Progress, 2015). The agency has created a “Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and Its Surrounding Areas” in coordination with the DoTC, DPWH, and the Metro Manila Development Authority.

The central aim of the roadmap is to introduce strategies that will reduce traffic congestion before it impacts lower-income groups, which will be the main victims of congestion. The JICA study concluded that without intervention traffic costs will likely rise to P6bn ($135m) per day from the current level of P2.4bn ($54m). Preliminary analysis in the study showed that the average low-income household has to spend at least 20% of its total monthly income on transport costs. Without intervention, traffic demand will likely increase by 13% by 2030, and transport costs will be 2.5 times higher.

The roadmap also emphasizes the need to establish better north-south connectivity and an appropriate hierarchy of different transport modes such as roads, railways, and other transit systems. These initiatives together form the Dream Plan to have a modern, affordable, well-coordinated, and integrated transport system for the Greater Manila Area by 2030.

Jeepneys have been part of Philippine Tourism and they should always be part of the country's transportation for its historical and cultural significance to the Filipinos.

Reference:
Steady progress is under way in the Philippines’ transport sector. (2015, September 19). Oxford Business Group. https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/steady-progress-under-way-philippines-transport-sector

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According to Parrocha (2021), the Department of Transportation earlier said passengers of the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) Busway system will soon enjoy better service with the construction of three bridges with concourses made possible by a partnership between the government and the private sector.

He also said that DOTr is also working on its Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program meant to replace older public utility vehicles with modern vehicles.

I think this kind of future in Quezon City will be hard because the construction of the three bridges might take longer and it will cause disturbances in traffic. Also, the PUV Modernization Program will just give a hard time for the PUV drivers because it will be expensive for them to purchase unless the government will give them a chance to have the modernized vehicle for free which is not possible because they have no budget allocation for it.

References:
Parrocha, A. (2021, May 30). PH transport system has promising future: Palace exec. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141994

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PH transport system has promising future: Palace exec

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MANILA – Filipinos can expect a brighter future in the public transportation system as the country transitions to a new normal amid the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, a Palace official said on Sunday.Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo made this remark after the Department of...

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Before the pandemic, LRT 1 has 300,000 to 500,000 riders and LRT 2 used to carry 240,000 passengers.

My experience the first time I rode the train was just like what is illustrated in the photo. My friends and I were standing the whole ride, side by side with other passengers, mainly because it was during the rush hour. I would say that the commuters' situation before the pandemic really somehow lacks the sense of security when it comes to personal belongings and even personal boundaries. It is definitely exhausting and inhumane, but most people have no choice but to be compressed with strangers just to be able to go home or go to work or to school. Trains are somehow convenient than other transportation modes because there is no traffic congestion that awaits in railways.

References:
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/10/19/news/top-stories/dotr-boosts-rails-passenger-capacity/782351
https://www.flickr.com/photos/winterduel/11965837405

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Train passengers practicing social distancing.

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Since October 2020, the maximum capacity of trains remain at 30% or around 370 passengers per train set for LRT 1 and MRT 3, and 486 for LRT 2.

With this, I believe that the implemented health and safety protocols are highly beneficial in making tourism restart feasible. Before the pandemic, overtourism has been a phenomenon that adversely affected the attitudes of tourists and the environment of the destinations. With these changes in the transportation sector, regulations and policies could from the travel generating region to the tourism destination region can also be harmonized in line with sustainable and safe tourism activities.

Reference: https://dotr.gov.ph/55-dotrnews/2529-mrt-lrt-pnr-to-gradually-increase-passenger-capacity-to-accommodate-more-commuters-starting-monday.html

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Key Performance Indicator from 2016 to 2021

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The coronavirus pandemic caused a huge drop in the passenger traffic of LRTA during 2020 and 2021.

Reference: https://www.lrta.gov.ph/key-performance-indicator/

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Department of Transportation (DOTr) 7 Commandments for Public Transport

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Passenger capacity is expected to gradually expand up to 50% or 620 passengers for LRT 1, 590 for MRT 3, and 814 for LRT 2, while still following the 7 Commandments for Public Transport.

References:
https://dotr.gov.ph/55-dotrnews/2529-mrt-lrt-pnr-to-gradually-increase-passenger-capacity-to-accommodate-more-commuters-starting-monday.html
https://wheels.com.ph/ang-7-commandments-para-sa-mga-mananakay-ng-pambulikong-sasakyan/

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Construction of Common Station is almost 50% complete in March 2021.

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8 rail infrastructure projects to start operations by 2022
1. LRT 2 East (Masinag) Extension - Marikina to Antipolo

2. MRT line 3 full rehabilitation

3. Common Station - Unified Grand Central Station

4. LRT-1 Cavite Extension - Baclaran, Parañaque to Bacoor, Cavite.

5. MRT-7

6. PNR Clark Phase 1 - Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan

7. Metro Manila Subway project - first-ever subway in the country

8. Mindanao Rail project - Tagum-Davao-Digos

References:
https://ppp.gov.ph/in_the_news/8-rail-projects-to-start-operations-by-2022/
https://www.topgear.com.ph/news/motoring-news/common-station-march-2021-update-a2578-20210324

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Coradia iLint – the world's 1st hydrogen powered train

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Aside from active transport, taking the train can be considered as the most environmentally friendly way of traveling. With that, the government can also invest in CO2-emission-free hydrogen-powered trains.

Reference: https://www.alstom.com/solutions/rolling-stock/coradia-ilinttm-worlds-1st-hydrogen-powered-train

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In the context of tourism restart, rail transport will still be accessible to tourists in the future, given that health and safety protocols, such as social distancing, contact tracing, and personnel testing, will be strictly implemented in each railway line. Aside from the implemented passenger capacity, the use of online payment channels can also be utilized to improve the rail tranport. Having crowds in trains is just a common occurrence before the pandemic, but it must certainly be prevented in the future in order to boost consumer confidence and encourage tourists to partake in sustainable and responsible tourism.

Personally, I am quite excited with the proposed plans and railway operations that are currently undergoing constructions which I have read in multiple references. One of which will be LRT 1 Cavite Extension, which will be near my place of residence. The traffic congestion in my hometown is so time-consuming, that is why I am looking forward to having access to other modes of land transportation, like rail transport, because it would be a huge help for daily commuters and for tourists to be motivated to visit our town, and to be able to explore the country through safe, responsible, and sustainable domestic tourism even with the pandemic.

Reference: https://francesmarcellin.com/2017/06/28/toprail-promoting-sustainable-rail-tourism/

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Shuttle Services comprise a number of paratransit services that provide public transportation and bus, are one of those shuttle services. I have a lot of experience riding a bus since I used to commute when I am traveling (either near or far). There are two types of buses, ordinary and air-conditioned. I have two shareable experiences of riding on a bus — traveling in near or far places. Similar to the other public vehicles before the pandemic strike, each seat must be seated, and when rush hour drops a bus will be overcrowded to the point that many are standing on the aisle and this happens most of the time when I am traveling not so far (it is okay for the people to be close to each other or in side by side position). Being that said, it is difficult to secure the safety of the passengers; it needs a double effort to take care of your personal belongings and this can be applied for both ordinary and air-conditioned buses. Additionally, based on my experienced air-conditioned buses is more convenient rather than ordinary buses, due to the fact that it provides more comfort and a smoother trip. In accordance, when traveling to a far place like 3 to 4 hours trip. Before the pandemic, each seat must be seated, and considering as it is a long trip there are no standing passengers. Some of the air-conditioned buses used their mini-built chairs in the aisle.

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Passengers commuting in a crowded MRT train.

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Before the pandemic, MRT 3 used to cater to more than 500,000 passengers daily and carries around 2,400 passengers per hour-ride.

References:
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2014/06/26/mrt-3-deploys-more-trains-serves-2364-more-riders-per-hour/
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/10/19/news/top-stories/dotr-boosts-rails-passenger-capacity/782351

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Personal Mobility vehicle uses electricity in order to function. 

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Cars, bicycles, and motorcycles are not the same as personal mobility vehicles. Nonetheless, they are a highly practical mode of transportation, letting users drive on roads, stroll along sidewalks, and navigate enormous buildings with considerable safety and convenience. I do not have any experience using these vehicles but as I have seen before (before pandemic) it was hardly widely used, and just a few people are aware of it; I think it is because it is not been widely introduced to the Philippines yet and commuters used to travel by riding different public vehicle, while the other has a personal or own vehicle (car). Also, this personal mobility was only used for entertainment or for recreational purposes before the pandemic arrived. However, in other countries, it is already widely used for transportation.

Reference:
https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/hitech/personal_mobility/index.html

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During Covid-19, when the government decided to resume the operation of public vehicles, there were a lot of regulations and protocols implemented not only for the commuters but also for the vehicle operators. My first 1-2 hours travel after the lockdown is when I had to go to UP Diliman from Bulacan for my requirements and also to meet my six batchmates in my dance group. I must say it is more secure because only a few seats are required to consume since we follow the social distance. It is just hard to get on the bus right away since it takes a long time because there are already many people who commute to go to their jobs and other purposes. Overall, it is still dangerous to travel especially to distant places because you do not know the people who ride there, the safety is still not 100% sure.

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When the regulations and protocols were lifted, there are a lot of people used and bought personal mobility vehicles. I may not have experience riding one of the personal mobility vehicles. I may say that I can describe how it works during this pandemic. As I have seen when I go for a ride (bicycle) I have seen many people utilize different personal mobility vehicles to buy some of their needs especially in a marketplace or pay for their utility bills. Using these kinds of devices/vehicles can somehow lessen the interaction with people resulting in less contact with the virus. Also it is convenient not only for the users but also for the environment since it does not emit smoke.

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The picture placed above can be the future bus of the Philippines. Although we already have and use this in a particular place, it is still not completely usable for the commuters (private service). Having this and transforming the bus to this kind of structure is more convenient than the regular bus. First, this would lessen the traffic jam and provide a comfortable ambiance. Bus transportation will be more efficient and productive since it can carry more passengers than the regular bus. If all of the buses turn to a double-decked bus it would be more convenient for the transportation process.

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The future of personal mobility can be widely used by many people, and new devices may be released. It has a big impact on our environment if this will be widely used, however, it also has a negative impact on some of the public vehicles. These personal mobility devices can be also used by people who have disabilities (in terms of walking), therefore, if this becomes widespread in the future and becomes affordable, people with disabilities may lessen their suffering to transport in any area.

Reference:
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-business/2021/10/18/2134131/birth-new-era-transportation-and-personal-mobility

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Given the condition that there are constant changes in the implementation of protocols especially in traveling due to the pandemic, as a result, most of the transportation are affected. Therefore, it is undeniable that the cruise industry is severely affected as well. In the past years, there has been a high demand for travel and tourism, hence, if the government eases restrictions on traveling tourists will be capable of traveling again. The reason is that there is a lot of motivation to travel. Similar to transportation, tourism destinations are also working on how they were going to cope up in the midst of the pandemic. In this case, if the destinations were able to successfully promote their place, transportation should be ready. Cruise tourism offers transportation and accommodation, the companies who specialized in the cruise industry are surely finding a way on how to recover from the pandemic. Following the health protocols is the best and first way to prepare the cruise tourism industry to operate again. Since in the current situation, health is crucial, promoting health protocols will help the companies to attract consumers (this can be both for small and large cruises). Health protocols such as only a few can occupy the entire cruise because of the social distancing, consumers must be under quarantine for 14 days before their board, get and swab test, having a reservation, the cruise ship must sanitize each part where the consumers will be using. In my opinion, the cruise tourism industry will successfully overcome the pandemic. Due to the fact that travel continues to operate again and promoting safety and health protocols fascinate consumers to engage in the maritime industry.

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Fun Facts about me: My guilty pleasure is I still watch cartoons like Spongebob Squarepants. |◕.:つ:.◕| And I am in love with the taste of black sesame ice cream.

Dream Destinations: Norway, Batanes, and Switzerland.

Favorite Mode of Transportation: Bike and Jeepney

Mode of Transportation I'd like to try soon: motorcycle, 4x4 ATV, and airplane

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Public transport

Since travel, tourism, and transportation are significant part of our daily lives, the measures addressing climate change through transportation are highly necessary, like the Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Mitigation for the Land Transport Sector of the ASEAN Region project, as well as the proposed modernization of PUVs that primarily addresses passengers' safety and convenience while travelling.

It would take time and resources, but the future developments and strategies could be implemented during the post-pandemic era, since the public sector (the national and local governments), with the collaboration of private organizations and stakeholders, can enforce regulations that are recommended by transport planners just like the current minimum standard health protocols, the commandments in public transport based on 'safety-first' policy ensuring the well-being and security of passengers.

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Air-based transportation is one of the most important forms of transportation in tourism, it supports the travel and tourism industry in all various countries to further expand the tourism industry in a certain country. Due to the stated fact, it has great support for the development of tourism. Even in the post-pandemic many still engage in air travel for various reasons. This is also because air travel is the one that connects to distant places, which is beyond the reach of land and water-based transportation. Given the condition that air travel is crucial in tourism, the new normal in the Air or Aviation sector will successfully operate and be sustainable in the coming years. Similar to the other transportation vehicle, first come first, propagate the safety and health protocols. Since in the post-pandemic there are still many struggles a lot of companies provide consideration, also because they need to survive and attract consumers there will be a change in low-cost carriers. Fewer people were able to be accommodated by the airlines or in the aviator sector. Unlike before the pandemic fills the whole capacity of a craft, in the new normal or in the post-pandemic less people can board on the craft this is both applicable for employees and consumers. With that, there would be various changes especially in fares, the low cost may increase but the provided quality remains or the cost will remain or decrease but provide a low quality of services. In this scenario, consumers may still engage in air travel, however, there might be different circumstances before fully perform and satisfy the consumers.

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The aviation sector is crucial in the development of tourism because it developed the internationalization of the industry and caters to passengers in a safe and quick manner. The future of air travel in the post-pandemic will be having more high-tech types of equipment to achieve contactless transactions to have the trust of the tourists on traveling again with air transportation.

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Active Transport

With all the reading materials and videos, the promotion of active transport or non-motorized transport would be highly feasible if the advocacy of its importance and benefits to individuals and the environment is spearheaded by local authorities and global organizations, and if the regulations are in line with the analysis of studies revolving on pedestrian safety to avoid injuries and accidents.

In line with tourism development, the education and promotion of active transport (for biking and walking tours) would be beneficial for the local economy because it makes the community more connected, and it provides more opportunities for local shops and products to be given attention by pedestrians and walking tourists because it is easier to stop and roam around the area.

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After reading the references and watching the videos, I would say that both active and public transport played a huge role in the tourism sector, not just in terms of being a means for the movement of tourists to and from the destinations, but also as attractions themselves that capture the interests of existing and potential tourists. They are highly significant in the tourism industry particularly before the pandemic occurred, and even during this pandemic, I would say that they are factors that still encourage travel and that still make tourism possible in a sustainable and safer way. For me, what I miss the most when it comes to traveling with public transport is the comfort I feel whenever I ride airconditioned transit buses whenever I need to go to school when I was in senior high and to UP Manila as well, because it is quite a long ride from home. It is so memorable for me when I travel alone because I have the time to think or study quietly, or when I am with friends because we get to talk about a lot of things. During peak hours, however, I dislike the situation because there seems like no space is available anymore, but the bus conductor still lets every passenger enter until the bus is crowded. There is no maximum passenger capacity, personal boundaries are not considered, and the current health and safety protocols are not in place.

I find this topic very interesting and highly relevant to the present-day society. I have gained a lot of new insights that could be very useful for the restart of tourism and the improvement of the discussed modes of transportation in the country. First, it was my first time to learn about the history of Grab, and it was really fascinating how modernization, technological advancements, and networking  really have built presence and have a significant role in the success and operations of businesses and transportation nowadays. Second, I learned the importance of the availability and improvement of pedestrian lanes, on-road cycling lanes, walking paths, and bike parking rails and facilities. In our small town, Tanza, I was so amazed when I woke up one morning and there were plenty of newly painted pedestrian lanes on the part of the road right in front of our house and in front of nearby convenience stores and dental clinic. As someone who finds it hard to cross the street just to buy something, I find those pedestrian lanes as a source of relief and security, because the public transport in our town typically drives very quickly, particularly the motorcycles. There is also a need for speed humps and streetlights because it is a main road directed to the city capital of Cavite province. Additionally, I really hope that there would be considerations to place traffic lights and signals, and other traffic control devices in the intersection, because whenever you drive there, you should expect to be stuck in traffic for hours. It is such a huge inconvenience. I found this article and realized five years ago with the proposal of traffic lights, but the traffic situation remains the same until now.  (https://www.facebook.com/gocavite/photos/proposed-traffic-light-along-the-intersection-of-tejero-general-trias-caviteisa-/1627836837455456/)

Personally, the lessons in class made me realize how significant really the management of transportation and the physical environment involved especially in local neighborhoods and small towns. I also understood what factors are necessary to consider an area as a good walking and cycling environment. The factors must consider the buildings involving the transport infrastructure, the residential units, offices, convenience stores, retail businesses, industries, health services, as well as the natural features such as parks and rivers. Another experience before the pandemic that I consider memorable is when my friends and I toured around Intramuros while riding bamboo bikes. It makes me think how great it would be if our town has designated cycle lanes. Furthermore, I miss walking every day to go to classes, and to go back and forth from departments placed in different streets back when I was studying in UP Manila. Though it may seem like a very simple wish, I really hope to experience the same thing, to walk around UP Diliman, to just feel the air and to be physically active while enjoying the lush scenery. Just like mentioned in one of the reading materials, there is really a connection between walking, thinking, and wisdom. And given that walking is the most prevalent form of recreational physical activity in the United States, I was amazed when I learned that UP Diliman offers Walking and Running for Fitness as PE courses.

Moreover, I just recently found out the existence of the Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Mitigation for the Land Transport Sector of the ASEAN Region project which involves the Philippines, and I am also looking forward for more strategies and action plans addressing energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for the land transport sectors in the country. Additionally, I was also enlightened with the planned modernization of PUVs which will be compliant to the Philippine National Standards objectives, in consideration to the step height, door widths, and ceiling heights, with expected low flooring, GPS, air conditioner, CCTV camera, and speed limiter. But the process should also have huge considerations to the jobs and employees who will be highly affected like the jeepney drivers and conductors, as well as the impact of modernization to the Philippine culture.  With all that, I would say that the improvement in public transport is also something to look forward to in the post pandemic tourism scenario. Also, I really hope that there are more destinations, urban places, and local communities that will be designed to have good walking and cycling environment, with considerations to vehicle speed.

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Air transportation paved the way for the tourism industry to develop by making the travel between borders easier. This is important for the continuous development of tourism because it makes the travel experience to faraway places more convenient for the consumers, as different parts of the world become more accessible to them.

Air transportation is essential to the tourism industry. For the tourism industry to be able to recover, airlines must operate with extra precaution and impose health and safety protocols until after the pandemic. Technology is the future of air travel as it would be utilized in order to make sure that the safety of both the passengers and the workers are put first. This may change the low-cost carriers business model as most airlines now have extra services that need to be offered such as QR scanning, near-field communication involving 5G and IoT, biometric facial recognition and thermal scanning technologies in order to ensure the safety of the passengers. Although some of the newer services such as ticketless travel, which decreases the need for complex and expensive ticketing systems, is beneficial for them as they would only need to rely on the internet, the contactless experience needed for security, paying of fees, food ordering, shopping and more, may make their costs go higher, which may cause the prices of the tickets and services they offer to the passengers go higher too. So as not to have extra costs, low-cost carriers may either not use some of those services needing extra fees, which may compromise the safety of the passengers, or they may again charge the passengers for those extra costs. The reason low-cost carriers' business model worked so well before the pandemic is that their airlines had no amenities when you boarded the flight, so they were able to offer lower prices to passengers. An example of a local airline that implements the low-cost carriers business model is Cebu Pacific, as everything is for sale there, causing the passengers to need to pay for the services they want, such as food and baggage. Although the added cost of implementing a more technology driven business may cause an increase in their prices, or the non-implementation of new technology may compromise the safety of the people, low-cost carriers may have the advantage as people are now craving to travel after largely spending the last 2 years at home, and are now willing to travel without glamour, or would be willing to pay a little more for first-class.

References:
https://developers.amadeus.com/blog/low-cost-carrier-business-model-overview
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/022916/economic-analysis-lowcost-airline-industry-luvdal.asp

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Per our group discussion air travel is one of the most exciting travel modes. As mentioned by a lot of sectors in tourism, Air/ Aviation Transport is crucial in the development of tourism because it developed the internationalization of the industry and caters to passengers in a safe and quick manner. While the development of the airline sector is really amazing As routes expanded, airports also became proliferated and safer, more reliable aircraft were developed, the commercial air travel industry emerged. We also learned about the policies when it comes to air travel. Especially the existence of Open Skies Policy.We just found out that Open Skies Policy is Open Sky Agreements and are bilateral agreements that the two countries negotiate to provide rights for airlines to offer international passenger and cargo services.