Subic Bay Freeport to launch electric buses for its carbon-neutral goal
One of the newly acquired electric buses that will ply around the Subic Bay Freeport is introduced to the public. (Photo courtesy of SBMA)
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—This freeport is gearing up to launch pure battery electric buses (PBEBs) this year as part of its push toward carbon neutrality.
In a statement on Monday (June 23), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño said that the project aligns with the agency’s goal of making this freeport the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the country.
According to Aliño, 10 units of PBEBs were already delivered last May 13, which were road-tested on May 27 and found to be comfortable and accessible for persons with disabilities.
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The PBEBs were acquired through Golden Asia Automotive Builders, Inc., and were manufactured by Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co. Ltd., which was founded in 1988 with over 30 years of bus manufacturing experience.
To support the launch, the SBMA will construct fast electric vehicle charging stations (EVCs) at the motorpool area of the SBMA Maintenance and Transportation Department (MTD). Another charging station donated by the Department of Energy will be installed along Argonaut Highway.
Aside from the EVCs, the agency also allotted P10 million for the rehabilitation of bus stops and terminals and the construction of new ones—eight around the Central Business District, 16 at the Cubi Area, six at theme park areas, 18 at the Binictican Housing area, and 10 at the Kalayaan Housing area. The project is expected to be completed in December 2025.
SBMA said it is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, aiming for a 30-percent decrease in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040.
To achieve this, they are also spearheading initiatives not only for the PBEBs project but also for the P250-million Carbon Neutral Port Project, which includes shore power connections for ships. /mr
