Sweden is stepping up its support for sustainable transport in the Philippines. At the 2025 Transportation Forum, held on Thursday 11 September at The Westin Manila, Swedfund announced new studies to improve bus standards, cut emissions, and back flagship projects such as the EDSA Busway. The event was co-organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and Team Sweden.
Sweden’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Anna Ferry, highlighted the country’s Vision Zero policy, which has halved road fatalities since its adoption in 1997.
“The goal of Vision Zero is to have zero fatalities or seriously injured from road accidents. It is not just a transport policy, it’s a shared responsibility across sectors,” she said. She stressed that Sweden is ready to share its experience through Swedfund and other partnerships.
Several Swedish companies showcased solutions at the forum. Volvo Buses presented how bus rapid transit systems can ease congestion while lowering 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. Axis Communications demonstrated how artificial intelligence and video data can improve both safety and operational efficiency in public transport.
The Philippine Department of Transportation welcomed the initiatives, noting they complement the country’s National Transport Policy and Road Safety Action Plan. Priority projects include the expansion of the EDSA Bus Rapid Transit, the PNR South Long Haul and Mindanao Railway systems, and faster adoption of electric vehicles under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).
Closing the forum, Senator JV Ejercito underlined the importance of European-Philippine collaboration in developing modern, safe, and sustainable public transport systems.
Source: THEPHILBIZNEWS
