Makati City will soon have its own fleet of electric buses after Mayor Abby Binay signed an agreement with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to establish a smart public transport system.
Apart from providing commuters with an affordable means of transportation, Binay said the project will mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Apart from the Makati Subway, this new public transport system is in line with our efforts to transform Makati into a smart city. We need to upgrade our systems because smart transportation is more convenient, safe and cost-effective for both the city and commuters than traditional frameworks,” she said.
Binay led the signing ceremony together with Kim Eunsub, KOICA country director, Yoo Jiyoung, KOICA deputy country director, and Francis Afable, KOICA program manager.
The project involves the development of a public transportation master plan, establishment of a public transport information and communications technology (ICT) system, pilot operation of electric vehicle (EV) bus service, establishment of an EV bus depot, and capacity building of officials and personnel.
Binay said KOICA will shell out $13 million for the smart public transport system, including the design and construction of an EV bus depot, control tower, and EV buses; and management of the automatic fare collection system, fleet management system and mobile passenger information system.
Meanwhile, the Makati City local government will provide land for the construction of the EV bus depot and parking area, oversee the implementation of the project, and secure a sufficient amount from its budget to cover the expenses required for the operation of the project, including the cost of proper storage, utilities for operation, and maintenance of ICT system and EV buses.
Binay said the construction of the EV bus depot, control center, ICT system, and other facilities will start during the first quarter of 2023 and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025.