Automated guideway transit system set in Baguio, Benguet

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Cordillera Regional Director Victor Mariano said development of Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) System will lessen traffic congestion in Baguio and Benguet especially during the holiday season.

The DOST Cordillera said the development of a transit system from La Trinidad to the Central Business District of Baguio City would ease constant gripes of folks of heavy traffic.

Mariano said the project is no longer a dream as it is feasible and will follow the contours of the Balili River in La Trinidad and Magsaysay Avenue in Baguio City.

The pre-feasibility study that has been conducted showed the AGT is feasible in the area and funding may be made available, Mariano said.

The proposed AGT will be constructed between the CBD of Baguio City and the Benguet Provincial Capitol with four stations along the way which may include the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad.

The two-coached AGT system will accommodate 240 passengers with 120 each coach at any given time which will run electronically without a driver with a top speed of 60 kilometers per hour.

Upon completion of the project, passengers can travel from Baguio to Benguet Provincial Capitol within 10 minutes, five minutes less than the usual 15 minutes travel of a jeepney without the traffic congestion, Mariano added.

Possible fare rate is pegged at P6.50 for the first four kilometers and an additional P0.50 for the succeeding kilometers.

The AGT system, designed and manufactured by Filipinos, is worth P7 billion. --PNA