‘Mass transport’ system set for Baguio City folks

Baguio City – The Department of Science and Technology-Metals, Industry, Research, and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and the city government here have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the conduct of a feasibility study on the possible use of mass transport system in the Summer Capital of the country.

The MOU was signed by DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, DOST Assistant Secretary Robert Dizon, as the officer-in-charge of the DOST-MIRDC, and City Mayor Mauricio Domogan at the Mayor’s Office early this week.

Among those present during the signing were DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Director Julius Caesar Sicat, City Planning Officer Evelyn Cayat, and City Engineer Leo Bernardez.

Montejo disclosed that the DOST is continuously working in infusing Science and Technology (S&T) research and development in their effort to help address the concerns in the various local communities in the country.

He said that they are also focusing on mass transportation systems, which not only aims to address traffic concerns, but also to bring in environment-friendly means of transportation.

For this city, he explained that they are looking into the possible use of the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT,) a road train, as an alternative mode of transportation that could possibly help decongest traffic here.

Montejo also disclosed that he has directed the DOST-CAR to likewise look into the possibility of connecting Baguio City and La Trinidad Benguet through an elevated train system – through the Balili River.

For his part, Domogan expressed the city government’s support to such endeavor as he pointed out that this will primarily help address the city’s pollution and traffic problems.

He pointed out that this city was originally designed for 25,000 to 30,000 people, but at present, it has registered population of around 325,000 individuals, which goes as high as an average of around 500,000 daytime population considering the daily tourists and traders, as well as the students and workers who come in the morning, and go home in the afternoon.

Domogan though called on the DOST to consider in their feasibility study the concerns of those working in the transport sector, particularly those in the public utility transport, that could be affected by such project.

“We also should consider on what alternative work or livelihood that we can give them if this project eventually materialize”, Domogansaid. -- PNA