VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) -- The implementation of the Metro Vigan Tranvía (tram) or light rail mass transport system project in Ilocos Sur is set to begin by the end of 2024, according to Vigan City Mayor Jose Singson, Jr.

By improving public transportation, the project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and boost tourism in Vigan City and the nearby municipalities of Caoayan, Santa Catalina, San Vicente, and Bantay.

After meeting with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and a construction company from the Republic of Korea recently, Singson said the project will be carried out in phases, starting with the construction of the tram depot in Bantay town where all of the necessary construction materials will be held.

The first year of implementation will involve the construction of Vigan lines 1 and 2 followed by the lines of Caoayan, San Vicente, and Santa Catalina.

The proposed tram will be utilizing the centerline of existing roads in the Metro Vigan area, which will pass through 11 barangays in this city, seven in Bantay town, four in Santa Catalina, three in Caoayan, and two in San Vicente.

The capacity of each tram will range from 29 to 35 passengers.

Singson said that the trams will run on solar and electricity-chargeable cartridges and will feature an antique exterior design, similar to the tranvía models in Lisbon, Portugal.

“This is a significant step towards achieving our goal of constructing heritage-looking tranvías that will complement our ancestral houses. Due to the increase in population and tourists, we experience heavy traffic, causing air pollution. Once this mass transport system is implemented, it will help solve traffic and air pollution issues, as these electric tranvías will increase mobilization. Consequently, businesses will grow not just in Vigan City, but also in the municipalities of Metro Vigan due to the increased arrival of tourists,” said Singson.

In the day, it will serve as transportation for residents and visitors while in the night, it will serve as transportation for industrial goods, agricultural products, and dry cargo, among others.

The existing public utility vehicle station in this city is planned to be converted into the Metro Vigan Tranvía Central Station, which will be a transportation hub for various modes of transport, such as tranvías, buses, jeepneys, calesas, tricycles, and rentable spaces.

“During our meeting with members and officials of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Association and kutseros (kalesa drivers) in the city, I emphasized that they must prepare for this project because it will significantly boost the tourism industry. I explained that it would not negatively impact their business, as tourists and residents would still need to use tricycles and kalesa to visit some of the famous tourist heritage sites in the city such as Calle Crisologo because it will only utilize the centerline of existing roads, making tricycles and kalesa still necessary for travel,” he added.

Singson said that the project will be a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), which means it will be funded, constructed, and operated through a partnership between the government and the private sector.

He implied that no funds from the city government will be used, and the private party will assume significant financial, technical, and operational risks in the project.