Manila Mobility Project in Line for Top Urban Award

Why It Matters

The nomination highlights Manila’s breakthrough in inclusive, sustainable mobility, offering a replicable model for fast‑growing megacities confronting climate and equity challenges. It underscores the financial and social returns of coordinated, people‑led transport reforms.

Key Takeaways

• Manila finalist for WRI Ross Center Prize 2025‑2026
• Coalition secured nearly $1 billion for transit upgrades
• 800 km of bike lanes added across the city
• First Philippine bus rapid transit system launched
• 140 youth leaders trained for inclusive transport

Pulse Analysis

The World Resources Institute’s Ross Center Prize for Cities spotlights projects that fuse health, climate resilience and equity. Manila’s Move As One Coalition earned a finalist slot by delivering a people‑led, multi‑stakeholder approach that marshals public and private capital toward a more inclusive transport network. Beyond the headline‑grabbing $1 billion investment, the coalition’s achievements include a pioneering bus rapid transit line, extensive bike‑lane expansion, and a workforce uplift that improves wages and safety for thousands of transit employees.

These interventions directly address Manila’s chronic congestion, air‑quality woes, and social disparity. By integrating affordable, low‑carbon mobility options, the city reduces commuter emissions while expanding access for low‑income residents. The creation of 800 km of bike lanes and the BRT system not only shortens travel times but also encourages active travel, contributing to public‑health gains. Training 140 young leaders embeds a pipeline of local expertise, ensuring that inclusive transport policies endure beyond political cycles.

For other megacities, Manila’s model illustrates the power of coalition‑building and targeted financing to accelerate sustainable mobility. The upcoming award announcement will likely amplify interest from investors and policymakers seeking scalable solutions. As urban areas worldwide grapple with climate risk and inequality, Manila’s experience offers a pragmatic blueprint: align stakeholder incentives, secure substantial funding, and prioritize projects that deliver measurable health and economic outcomes. The prize’s $250,000 grand award could further catalyse innovation, reinforcing Manila’s role as a testbed for resilient, people‑centric urban transport.