Testing for hybrid trains continues

CEBU, Philippines - The field testing of hybrid road trains here in Cebu City will continue as the Department of Science and Technology Region (DOST) -7 said yesterday that it has designated a new route after the previous route caused more problems rather than ease traffic.

Engr. Samuel Parcon, the Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST-7 and Project Coordinator for the hybrid road trains project, said that during the last field testing, the designated loop was found most likely to create traffic congestion since its route traverses along major thoroughfares in the city with a high volume of vehicles plying these lanes.

Parcon further explained that these hybrid road trains will consume much space along the road lanes.

The earlier approved route takes on several major thoroughfares in Cebu City: Osmeña Boulevard; P. del Rosario Street; New Imus Road; Gen. Maxilom Extension; S. Osmeña Avenue; Natalio Bacalso Avenue; V. Rama Avenue, B. Rodriguez Street, among others.

The new identified loop set for testing will take the stretch of the Sergio Osmeña Jr. Boulevard; also traversing the M.J. Cuenco Avenue, V. Sotto Street, Legaspi Extension.

“New route identified and field testing of the new route will be on the last week of this month,” Parcon said in a text message to The FREEMAN, though he clarified that the schedule is still tentative and may be moved to later dates.

The field testing of the trains has been going on since the end of January this year, with DOST-7 trying out both short and long loops.

Parcon said they are prioritizing the field testing first before they can focus on deployment.

He said the field testing will be facilitated by some technical personnel or engineers from DOST Manila Metals Industry Research and Development Center, the local developers of the road trains.

Parcon is hopeful that the new route will be able to complement the fielding of train units to the present road network and, eventually, this may be used here in the city.

This DOST project was launched in 2015 and was first introduced in Pampanga province.

Cebu City is marked to be the second pilot area, though Parcon wants to emphasize that they are still focusing on the trial and nothing is final yet. He added that it would depend on the local government unit if they intend to adopt the project later on. (FREEMAN)