Hybrid train not viable for Cebu City — Tomas
CEBU, Philippines — Two Cebu City officials believe that the P45-million hybrid electric road train is not viable here because of narrow roads.
City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said the blue-colored hybrid train is composed of five connected coaches and it cannot maneuver in the city’s narrow streets.
“They designed something and they tried to see if we can use it. What they should do is look at what we need and then design something that will fit,” he told reporters.
If the Department of Science and Technology-7 can make some modifications of the e-train, the mayor said he would want to try it in the city.
Osmeña suggested that the five coaches can be reduced into two coaches so it would be easy to maneuver.
“We can’t turn around. You’ll create a traffic jam to turn around the whole thing,” he said, adding that the e-train should be tried somewhere else.
“According to them, they have not found a use for it. So, break it into two (coaches). If possible, why not? Maybe if they can make it,” he added.
This was also the sentiment expressed by Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) Operations Chief Francisco Ouano.
Ouano said two coaches would be enough to traverse the city streets.
“Dili gyod nato ma-recommend nga magamit gyod siya diri kay gamay kayo atong dalan. Pareha sa giingon ni mayor nga kon pwede nga mahimong duha nalang (out of five coaches) mas maayo,” he said.
He said the test run of the 40-meter-long train showed that it had difficulty in maneuvering in narrow and even wider roads.He said he has yet to talk to DOST officials assigned in the project about it.
The e-train arrived in the city for testing in December 2016 and is scheduled to be pulled out at the end of this year.
The e-train, which can accommodate up to 240 passengers, is powered by a 300kva generator and dry cell batteries designed by DOST’s Metal Industry Research and Development Center.
As of yesterday, Ouano said the e-train is parked along S. Osmeña Boulevard near the tunnel. (FREEMAN)
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