Phl’s first autonomous bus service launched in Clark
-Art Dumlao- — September 16, 2024
The Japan-based mobility firm Zenmov, Inc., in collaboration with MC Metro Transport Operation, spearheaded the launch of this innovative service.
BAGUIO CITY (September 11, 2024) -- Japan-based Zenmov, Inc., in partnership with MC Metro Transport Operation, Inc., launched on Tuesday its smart autonomous bus service in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, signaling the opening of the country’s first publicly accessible, self-driving bus utilizing a transportation cloud system called Smart Mobility Operation Cloud (SMOC).
Zenmov held a ribbon cutting ceremony and demonstration of an energy-efficient and smart public transportation system that will run within New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone, and Clark International Airport.
Representatives from the Embassy of Japan, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Philippine-based MC Metro Transport Operation, Inc. as well as Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) witnessed the launch, which comes on the heels of the memorandum of agreement signed in October 2023 by BCDA, Zenmov and MC Metro Transport Operation, Inc., as well as a memorandum of understanding signed in January 2023 by BCDA and Japan’s national research and development agency, NEDO, for the smart mobility demonstration program to be conducted until June 2025. NEDO had appointed Zenmov to implement the program.
The demonstration project will come at no cost for the Philippine government, with NEDO and Zenmov committing to finance the project, said BCDA - Public Affairs Department chief
Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet.
“We can definitely learn a lot from Japan’s advanced and innovative transport system. By integrating their smart autonomous vehicle technology, we ensure a more sustainable and scalable transport solution here in Clark. This will positively transform the everyday lives of those living and working within Clark — making it easier to get around, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting a green and low-carbon environment,” explained BCDA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Gisela Z. Kalalo.
Under the demonstration project, a new public transportation system called Primary Rapid Transit, a “last mile” service, will run in select routes in New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone, and Clark International Airport using SMOC. This application will enable Zenmov to measure and verify the effectiveness of the public transport service system, with an aim to maximize operational availability while keeping the number of vehicles at a minimum by managing a lean dispatching system based on travel demand data.
Zenmov and MC Metro are also deploying low-carbon electric vehicles and electric assisted bicycles as well as installing smart poles, drones, and charging stations, among others, for real time data collection and dissemination on traffic management along the routes of the autonomous bus service.
Aside from exploring smart mobility solutions, BCDA and its public and private partners have ushered in significant green measures within its Clark properties, added Barlongay-Macasaet. Among these measures are maximizing renewable energy sources, promoting active mobility, conserving biodiversity, and setting aside 60 percent of the land area for parks, green spaces and water bodies. These initiatives are all in line with the BCDA’s commitment to sustainable, smart, and green developments.
