BCDA jumpstarts plan for cable car in John Hay

MANILA, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed a deal with a Japanese organization to determine the viability of a cable car system in Camp John Hay.

BCDA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Zip Infrastructure to assess the feasibility of a self-driven cable car system in Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

The MOU, formalized during a high-level visit to Tokyo, was signed by BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang and Zip Infrastructure CEO Takamasa Suchi, with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Zip Infrastructure director and head of business development Mario Ian Carlos Ferido Rebonquin as witnesses.

Under the MOU,  Zip Infrastructure will prepare a feasibility study for the operations and maintenance of its self-driven cable car system called Zippar in Camp John Hay.

The cable car system seeks to provide an alternative transportation system that can ease traffic congestion and provide better accessibility.

“This technology promises to enhance urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and promote environmentally sustainable transportation solutions. By leveraging Zippar technology, we can create a seamless and efficient transport system within Camp John Hay, making it more accessible and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike,” Bingcang said.

BCDA also signed an MOU with the Organization for Public-Private Partnerships Promotion Support (OPPS) of Japan for a three-year partnership with the OPPS of Japan to promote investment opportunities in New Clark City and other BCDA economic zones to Japanese companies.

OPPS is an organization of Japanese companies providing support services to realize PPPs and private finance initiatives.

The MOU was signed by Bingcang and OPPS director and vice president Kimikazu Uemura, with Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism deputy minister for overseas projects Seiichi Onodera, Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corp. for Transport and Urban Development president and CEO Tatsuhiko Takesada and BCDA vice president for engineering and social support Mark Torres as witnesses.