TARLAC CITY (PIA) — Japan-based Zenmov Inc. and MC Metro Transport Operation Inc. recently introduced the country’s first smart autonomous bus service at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
The self-driving bus uses a Smart Mobility Operation Cloud (SMOC) designed to provide convenience for commuters within New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone and Clark International Airport.
Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Gisela Kalalo explained that the smart transportation system will allow commuters to have an accessible, smooth and hassle-free travel experience 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,” she said.
This energy efficient transportation system is a convergence project of the BCDA, Zenmov Inc., MC Metro Transport Operation Inc. and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
With zero cost on the part of the Philippine government, NEDO and Zenmov will finance the project while the latter was appointed to execute the smart mobility demonstration program.
“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,” Kalalo emphasized.
The demonstration program features the Primary Rapid Transit, a ‘last mile’ service, traversing select routes in New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone and Clark International Airport using SMOC.
This application maximizes the operational availability while keeping the number of vehicles at a minimum by managing a lean dispatching system based on travel demand data, enabling Zenmov to measure and verify its effectiveness.
Moreover, Zenmov and MC Metro are set to deploy low carbon electric vehicles and electric based bicycles, and to install smart poles, drones and charging stations for real-time data collection and dissemination on the service routes and traffic management.
The smart mobility project aims to innovate solutions that optimize energy use, minimize pollution, lower carbon footprint, and manage congestion and other traffic-related problems.
This is in line with the commitment of the BCDA to develop smart, green and sustainable projects in Clark with the help of its public and private partners. (CLJD/TJBM, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
