P10 IS MRT’S PROPOSED FARE
Philtram earlier signed a memorandum of understanding with the local government units of Cebu City and Mandaue City for the MRT project
A ride on the proposed monorail transit system (MRT) in Cebu will cost almost the same as the fare of a public utility jeepney.
According to the Philtram Transportation Consortium Inc. (PTCI), the proposed fare is only P10 for every ride anywhere in the 14 stations that will be set up in Metro Cebu areas.
“Unlike an LRT where they just focus on conventional ride and go (for a) fare matrix, the DRT Monorail has a 101 creative ways to make money without the need of LGU or National Government subsidy,” according to a press release from Philtram.
PTCI recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the local governments of Cebu City and Mandaue City for the project.
Both cities are hoping that the MRT, which Philtram called the Dualmode Mono-Rail Tourtransit (DRT), will ease traffic congestion in Metro Cebu.
Philtram president Arnold Ray Alagar said the MRT will not only be a traffic solution but also a platform for urban development.
“One good thing about DRT Monorail or the Dualmode mono-Rail Tourtransit, unlike LRT (light railway system), is that the system is not just exclusively designed to earn revenue purely from mass transit. That means, Philtram can design the monorail to operate as a tourist loop and commuter line at the same time,” said the press statement.
One of the features of this transportation system is the VIP premium where a seat is reserved so people with cars will not have to use their vehicle, which will only add to the traffic congestion.
“And being a VIP will also make him a stockholder to Philtram because Philtram will go public after three DRT monorail projects in the next five years,” according to Philtram.
Parking app
PTCI’s chief technology architect is also planning to build smart stations and smart parking hubs, which will allow commuters with cars to reserve parking online using their smart phones.
With this smart parking app, car owners can park their vehicle near the smart DRT monorail stations so they can just park this during peak hours and patronize the MRT.
The Philtram, in coordination with CRRC Nanjing Puzhen, PBTS
TIMELINE JUNE 2017 Philtram to conduct a feasibility study on the project. It is expected to last for six months 2020 Target year for the MRT to get operational
and China Railway Engineering Consulting Group, will conduct a feasibility study starting next month. It is expected to last for six months.
The study will cost US$2-million that will be funded by the One Belt One Road.
Based on the MOU, Philtram will analyze the present and future distribution of passengers, possible fares, preliminary design and related cost estimates, among many others.
Jose Guardo Jr., founder and chief operating officer of Philtram, said PTCI will use Bombardier Innovia 300 Monorail manufactured by Bombardier CRRC Nanjing Puzhen JV.
Bombardier Innovia train can transport 48,000 passengers per hour, or 1,200 persons per trip.
Guardo said that every 90 seconds the train will be available.
The MRT will have a terminal hub, which will be located at the foot of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, and 14 stations from Mandaue to Cebu City.
Once operational, the DRT will pass United Nations Ave., D.M. Cortes Street, A. Soriano Ave., going to the South Road Properties in Cebu City.
“The DRT Monorail is also designed to go to Mandaue City, Consolacion in the north and SRP to Talisay and Minglanilla in the south,” said Alagar.
PTCI targets to make the DRT operational by 2020. /