UP-designed transport system eyed for Cebu

WITH the proposal for a Bus Rapid Transit still not moving, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama ordered City Hall officials to discuss the possibility of trying another transport system.

Rama considered the Automated Gateway Transit (AGT) system developed by the University of the Philippines – Diliman with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) when he visited Manila last week. The mayor is convinced that the AGT system would be suited for Cebu City.

“I was impressed because it runs, which means that it can be done,” Rama said

Rama asked City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) board chairman Ruben Almendras and Citom head Rafael Yap to request DOST to bring the prototype to Cebu City. Doing this, he said, would give stakeholders such as the businessmen and jeepney drivers with an experience on the AGT system.

“There is prototype ready for Cebu. The good thing is that Cebu is capable of producing that coach,” he said.

“We have to bring in participation, the involvement of riders. If there will be people who will be affected (by the AGT operation) it should be showed to them,” the mayor added.

The website of the DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center states that the AGT involves the fabrication of locally produced rolling stocks. The electric-powered mass transit will include coaches that can carry a maximum of 30 passengers each and will run at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour. The AGT’s requires less space and can easily be maneuvered in the city’s minor thoroughfares. Designed to be environment friendly, the AGT has less fossil fuel requirement and does not emit hazardous smoke. /Doris C. Bongcac, Chief of Reporters