ILOILO City – This southern city is being eyed for a podcar transport system.
Futran Philippines, Inc. representatives presented a proposal to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas on Tuesday.
Podcars, also known as personal rapid transit, is a mode of public transport featuring small low-capacity automated vehicles operating on a network of specially built guideways.
“Ka-exciting. First time ko kakita sina. They also made proposals to Mandaue and Cebu,” said Treñas.
Futran Philippines, Inc. sought a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city government for a feasibility study.
“With the MOU makahatag kita sang necessary data like the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and data on our population, among others, so they can come up with a plan,” said Treñas.
Futran Philippines, Inc. is the first in the country to produce podcars.
“This game-changing investment is a testament to the power of public-private partnership in uplifting people’s lives,” said Treñas.
Podcars can usher in a new era of sustainable commuting, he added.
“Ang hambal nila nami ni sya kay ang mga side streets pwede nila masulod. It’s German technology…very exciting,” said Treñas.
The more alternative modes of transport are available, the better for the Ilonggos, he stressed.
A report from the state-run Philippine News Agency disclosed that Futran Philippines, Inc. has entered into an MOU with Mandaue City in Cebu for a feasibility study on the same proposed project.
Mayor Jonas Cortes, who signed on behalf of the city, said he agreed to make Mandaue a venue for the study, noting the company’s portfolio in handling modern transport systems.
“This transport system has been proven safe in countries that use this system such as Germany, Japan and China,” Cortes said.
Accordingly, Futran Transport System is a state-of-the-art automated, low-cost mass transport system produced in the company’s modern manufacturing, control, and construction technology.
The company ensures that its products are safe and reliable as it is under the approval of Germany’s TUV Rheinland, the world’s recognized technical service provider and certification body.
Meanwhile, last March, a company has also proposed to develop an e-vehicle (EV) bus rapid transit (BRT) in Iloilo City to complement the city government’s efforts in making the city environmentally sustainable and a livable, highly-urbanized metropolis.
Representatives from First Balfour Inc., a leading engineering and construction company in the country, presented to Treñas their proposal which is seen to be a step-change in the Ilonggos’ commuting experience.
Antonio S. Payumo, First Balfour’s vice president, said they would like to provide an end-to-end transport solution that ties in and integrates various elements of EV transport such as passenger information, ticketing systems, and timetable scheduling, thus giving passengers a seamless, reliable and clean transport experience.
The EV BRT as a low-carbon urban transport system is seen to not only reduce traffic congestion but also contribute to the development of the local economy while having a positive impact to the environment.
According to Payumo, they will utilize a mix of 12m and 18m articulated buses on a test-pilot basis. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency)/PN
