Wind-powered bamboo train for public transpo?

CEBU, Philippines - An environmental group headed by lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr. is asking P150,000 from the Cebu City government to establish an environment-friendly rail-based transportation system made of bamboo.

The money will be spent to fabricate a prototype of the first Filipino-made Pedal-Solar-and-Wind powered mini train, including the rail and other accessories.

The concept was introduced to the city government early this year during a seminar for heads of offices of the city where Oposa was resource speaker.

This is part of the Road Revolution he envisions for the city where the roads will no longer have a space for cars but for pedestrians, bicycles and mass transportation.

The prototype of the train he is proposing will cost P90,000 more or less. It will be composed of a direct current one horsepower motor, a battery drive, a lighting system using Light Emitting Diode bulbs, a wind shield that will serve as the solar panel, an area for cargo, pedals and 20 seats including seats for passengers with disabilities.

LED bulbs will be used for minimal power consumption. The front shield will be the solar panel while at the back of the train will be the wind operated generator that will charge the batteries.

The pedal is an option to run the train if the passengers would prefer to exercise and not depend on the electric motor.

Oposa’s group, the Law of Nature Foundation, has preferred the use of electric motor over diesel, gasoline or LPG to zero out carbon emission.

The prototype will be made of natural materials. The body will be made from a fiberglass laminated woven bamboo otherwise known as “sawali” or “amakan.”

The flooring will also be made of bamboo instead of steel plate while canvass for the roofing.

Oposa, in his letter to Mayor Michael Rama, said they intend to start running the proposed rail-based transportation system by June 12, 2011 as part of a declaration of independence from fossil fuel.

“It must be mentioned that the city government will own this prototype and that we are donating our services, including the idea. We assure you that this will be the pride and joy of your administration and will become the toast of the world in due time,” Oposa said.

City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete said that since Oposa’s letter is addressed to the mayor, it will be the mayor who will decide where to source the fund should the city grant the request for funding.

He said that the project is relevant considering that Cebu is struggling with the soaring prices of gasoline.

“It is worth looking into but as to the funding, it will be up to the mayor. Kung asa ibutang, tan-awonon pa na. But it will be a good idea for tourists sites,” Poblete said.

The same group has asked the city council to close the entire stretch of the road from Capitol to Plaza Independencia except for one lane on June 4 for the “Road Revolution” project.

The Road Revolution project seeks to promote a reform of the present road system that does not give way to non-motorized locomotion systems such as walking and bicycling. The project promotes the use of bicycles as alternative to cars.

The request has been approved by the Committee on Parks and Playground Ecology and Environment pending feedback from the City Traffic Operations Management. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/FPL (THE FREEMAN)