Tom OKs road test for hybrid e-train
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was finally given the green light to test the hybrid electric road train in Cebu City next month.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña has allowed the department to conduct the test even if it won't ply the route he suggested.
“Not that particular route. But go ahead, try. Wala koy problema ana. I'm willing to try anything. That's how we learn,” he told reporters.
The mayor would have wanted to test the e-train from Fuente Osmeña to Osmeña Boulevard, left turn to P. del Rosario Street, then to Imus New Road, right turn to Gen. Maxilom Extension, right turn to S. Osmeña Avenue, right turn to Commerce Street, right turn to Benedicto Street, left turn to Gen. Maxilom Extension, left turn to Imus New Road, straight to P. del Rosario Street, proceed to N. Bacalso Avenue, right turn to V. Rama Avenue, right turn to B. Rodriguez Street, then back to Fuente.
Osmeña said he would have wanted to see the hybrid train service the routes with higher passenger volume to test its efficiency.
DOST, however, opted to ply the SM City Cebu to Plaza Independencia route.
According to DOST's Facebook page, the train's route would be “SM City to Plaza Independencia and Vice Versa from Cabahug Street (near Natasha), right to Serging Osmeña Ave., straight then left on Legaspi Extension, left on C. Arellano Blvd.; left to SulpicioGo Street; right to Urot Street then to Cabahug Street.”
Commuters in Cebu City would have the chance to ride the hybrid e-train for free during its testing.
Osmeña said the city government will continue monitoring the road testing.
Lawyer Ismael Garaygay, Cebu City Transportation Office chief, said he will meet with DOST officials once the schedule of the road test will be finalized.
Aside from the schedule, he said possible rerouting will also be discussed.
“We need to assist DOST on this especially sa personnel,” he said.
In 2015, officials of the city government and DOST signed a memorandum of understanding to address the concern on urbanized metropolis, specifically on traffic congestion, through the introduction of a hybrid electric road train.
The hybrid e-train is composed of five coaches and uses battery consoles and diesel fuel to run. The e-train, which was designed by engineers from the DOST's Metal Industry Research and Development Center, can hold up to 240 passengers.