Road tests already completed: DOST, City to decide fate of hybrid trains

CEBU, Philippines - In a bid to solve the traffic woes in Cebu City, proponents of the locally-designed hybrid road trains have already initiated the series of tests for the mass transit system, this time eyeing to take either a longer loop or just its actual designated route.

Last week, series of trials were completed traversing the shorter trail along the roads at the North Reclamation Area.

Engr. Samuel Parcon, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-7, told The FREEMAN yesterday that they have yet to meet with Cebu City’s traffic managers to assess the earlier trials before proceeding with the longer route.

He said the head of Cebu City Transportation Office asked for stakeholders to convene this week for the presentation of risk assessments and recommendations following the tests using the shorter loop.

Earlier, the test for the longer trail was scheduled to start today but its route will have to be discussed and finalized first during the meeting, Parcon said.

The previously approved route takes on several major thoroughfares in Cebu City that included Osmeña Boulevard, P. del Rosario St., New Imus Road, Gen. Maxilom Extension, S. Osmeña Avenue, Natalio Bacalso Avenue, V. Rama Avenue, and B. Rodriguez St., among others.

Aside from field testing, proponents are also focusing on promoting the locally-developed technology that is designed by state-commissioned engineers based in Manila.

This type of train does not have to use railway, said Parcon, rather he likened it to an inter-connected buses running along a systematized trail.

This DOST project was launched in 2015 and was introduced first in Pampanga province.

This project will be formally launched here in Cebu City before the month ends, said Parcon.

Earlier, former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with DOST signifying the city’s interest for the unit to be deployed here.

Rama had earlier assured the DOST that the project will continue regardless of who heads the city.  Rama lost to Tomas R. Osmeña in the 2016 elections.

The second pilot area is also marked here in Cebu City but Parcon wanted to emphasize that they are still focusing on the trial and nothing is final yet.

He added that it would depend on the local government unit if later on it intends to adopt the project or not.

The series of tests are done to determine if this public transportation system, which is eyed to solve the traffic problem of urbanized cities, is applicable to Cebu.

If the present trail is proven ineffective, then there is possibility that they will have to look for another suitable route, said Parcon.

After completing the trails, he said DOST will be working closely with the Cebu City government, through CCTO, to evaluate the salient aspects of the undertaking and taking into account the existing road network and the traffic situation in the city. (FREEMAN)