10 e-trikes start rolling at The Fort

At least 10 prototype electric tricycles or “E-3” started plying the streets of The Fort last Tuesday.

Taguig Mayor Sigfrido Tiñga, who led the inauguration, said the e-vehicles are the perfect alternative to fuel-consuming tricycles because they do not have gas emissions, are noise-free, and health and environment -friendly.

“The city government of Taguig aims to promote changes in our community by turning it into a better place for the benefit of our constituents,” Tiñga said.

Electric Vehicle Solutions President and CEO Sean Gerard Villoria, said the electric vehicle has an engine capable of running at the speed of 40-to-60 kilometer per hour, and is powered by five rechargeable batteries.

“More importantly, they are cost effective, because recharging the batteries will only cost P40.00 which is good enough for the whole day, unlike fueling engines that can consume up to P500 a day,” he said.

The 10 e-trikes are now operating in Fort Bonifacio and offering free rides to the public until Jan. 6, 2009 as part of the city government’s “Pamaskong Libreng Sakay Para sa Lahat.”

Tiñga said that, by next year, more E-3s will be ply strategic routes in The Fort and all over the city.

He said there are plans to subsidize and purchase these vehicles to replace the old tricycles. The city government has yet to determine and fix the routes and fare.

The project will be initiated in Barangay Ususan.

Local officials expressed belief that introducing E-3s in key areas of the city will help promote the local government’s target of inviting more foreign entrepreneurs to invest in the city. – Rhodina Villanueva