DOST developing 'road train' for commuters

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is developing a “road train” for roads without public utility buses to benefit thousands of commuters in Metro Manila.

Science Secretary Mario Montejo said the prototype is currently being developed by the DOST’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center.

A road train is a trucking concept used in remote areas of Argentina, Australia, Mexico, United States and Canada to move freight efficiently. It consists of a relatively conventional tractor unit, but instead of pulling one trailer or semi-trailer, a road train pulls two, or more, of them.

“The road train project is currently in the initial stage,” Montejo told reporters.

He said the DOST will use ordinary buses – which costs around P5 million each – to serve as coaches, and each road train will have at least five.

He said the DOST is only involved in the research and development aspect of the project.

“The concerned agencies like the Department of Transportation and Communications will be the one to implement it,” Montejo said, adding that he had already mentioned the project to DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas.

Montejo said the planned mass transport system is entitled to use a special vehicle lane.

The science secretary said there is no place in the world that uses road trains for mass transport.