Mass transport project to help Bataan workers, governor says

BAGAC, Bataan — A monorail commuter system connecting Balanga City to Mariveles town is being developed by a Chinese firm as the province embarks on a green economy, Bataan Gov. Albert Garcia said here.

The mass transport system will serve thousands of workers from Balanga and the towns of Pilar, Orion and Limay who commute 50 kilometers daily to the Freeport Area of Bataan in Mariveles, Garcia said.

He signed a memorandum of understanding with Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD Auto Industry Company Ltd., in ceremonies held at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in this coastal town last week.

BYD has committed to build a comprehensive monorail transit system and introduce electric buses in Bataan to solve traffic congestion, Garcia said.

He said the provincial government opted for a green transportation solution to help steer communities toward “environmentally sound and smart growth technologies in Bataan.”

BYD said it was bringing in 10 electric buses before the end of the year. —Greg Refraccion