By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata
PAMPANGA, June 25 (PNA) — Are you one of the commuters who feel hopeless each time you ride the MRT? Tired of the long queue you need to go through to buy your ticket, plus another long queue before you can get inside the train?
Do you avoid riding a bus because of the big chance you’ll be standing inside while being stuck in traffic along EDSA? Do you avoid riding an ordinary bus because the weather is too hot and the air is polluted?
Good news! There’s a new hope in Philippine transportation — the Hybrid Electric Road Train.
Did you know that the said train was designed and fabricated by Filipino engineers? Yes, these engineers are from the Department of Science and Technology – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC).
Under the MIRDC’s ‘Makibayan’ (Makina at Teknolohiya para sa Bayan) program, the 40-meter-long train was developed to address the worsening mass transportation problem in Metro Manila and other urban areas.
Officially launched on Thursday at Clark Freeport Parade Ground, the train, consists of five interlinked coaches. Four coaches can accommodate about 60 passengers each, which means the train can accommodate around 240 passengers per trip.
The media and the public were invited to a demo ride during the launch. For me, it looks like a bus and MRT train combo.Having experienced riding this train, I felt like riding an airport shuttle/bus though it looks 80 percent of an MRT train inside.
The train will be used by Clark Development Corp. (CDC).
Arthur Tugade, CDC president, revealed that the corporation had secretly partnered with the DOST.
He cited that because of CDC’s commitment to green environment, it looked for an integrated transport system that can operate within Clark; and DOST was able to make one.
Why trains? Rio Pagtalunan, chief, MIRDC Analysis and Testing Division, said trains are considered the most efficient mode of transportation.
Having said that, I remember a journalist friend who suggested that I ride the trains when in Korea because “it’s very efficient”.
The Hybrid Road Train is powered by a hybrid engine that runs either on diesel fuel or electric batteries. As such, it produces less smoke emissions, making it environment-friendly. It has a maximum speed of 50 kph.
DOST Secretary Mario Montejo is hopeful that this train will be seen in our streets once it is fully commercialized.
Noting the larger capacity this train can accommodate, Montejo said this is ideal for commuters, especially during rush hour.
“The President recognizes the role of science and technology in development; how technology can address traffic concerns…” he said during the launch.
Meanwhile, the train will also be showcased at the 2015 National Science and Technology Week on July 24-28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Everyone is invited to experience the ride; admission is free. (PNA)