Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez has obligated the agency’s officials on Monday to ride public transportation to work.

In a memorandum released on September 15, Lopez tasked road and rail sector officials to take public transportation to report to the office at least once a week, to gain insights into commuter needs.

“Itong mga opisyal natin sa Road at Rail sector, sila talaga ‘yung mga dapat lumalabas lagi kasi karamihan ng ating mga proyekto ay nasa mga sektor na ito,” Lopez said.

“‘Yung mga ibang opisyal naman sa ibang sectors, hinihikayat din nating mag-commute dahil ito lang talaga yung paraan para makita at madama firsthand kung ano ba ang hirap na nararanasan ng mga commuters,” he added.

Following their commute, officials are ordered to submit reports containing recommendations and action plans to improve public transportation.

Lopez took the lead and joined everyday commuters on public transit at the peak of the rush hour this morning on his way to the office.