If you were able to catch our previous columns that touched on the daily traffic woes of Metro Manila citizens and denizens, you may have noted that we have been espousing the use of ‘road trains’ in EDSA to begin with, to help alleviate such close to despicable way of life that we have to live with.
Well, we are not alone in pushing for this remarkable DOST (Department of Science & Technology)-designed people-mover. One of our regular readers, Mr. Bien Lazaro, as a reaction to our article last week sent an email, which we shall quote here in part, “Thanks for your column today and I agree 100%. I use EDSA everyday for the last 20 years and having ‘road trains’ and rationalizing the public bus system will definitely help. Question is how do we get the government to implement this? Do we need a prominent political person to do something or an influential group to back this up?”
As I have mentioned last week Mr. Lazaro, word has it that the DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) has promised to take a serious look at the prospect of having these ‘road trains’ as part of our mass transport system. We can only hope that this declaration of support by Secretary Andaya is not lip service but an honest-to-goodness effort to study how this can be implemented, and implemented fast to make life a little bit easier for us who live or frequent the metro.
These ‘road trains’ can be considered as a ‘mass rail transport system’ without any rails (no complex infrastructure needed), which can easily accommodate 200 plus passengers at a time. It can be limited to its own lane and with designated stops and schedules. Just like the MRT or LRT but would need less maintenance requirements.
I’m not saying that this is going to be the “miracle pill” that can solve our daily traffic problems, but I can very well say that this bus system can unarguable mitigate the daily sufferings of commuters and the general motoring public caused by the over proliferation of buses in EDSA.
Let’s think about it.
Pickup wars heats up
Try to count how many pick up models are now in the market coming from the country’s major vehicle manufacturers and importers and you would realize that competition in that segment is getting keener by the day.
Ford Philippines made sure that they are in the thick of the competition by flying using a chartered seaplane, members of the motoring media to the Islands of Caramoan in Bicol last August 17 to 18 to demonstrate the features and test the capabilities of the updated Ford Ranger.
A total of 12 Ford Rangers went thru a rigorous 180 plus kilometers test drive on and off road. And as an icing on the cake Ford also set up as part of the test drive an off-road trail in Mayon Volcano where Ranger Wildtraks with 3.2 Duratorq engines were subjected to tough driving through volcanic ash and mounds of dried up lava.
The motoring journalists invited indeed had their full dose of hard driving and riding experience in a pick up, however their arduous test drive was capped with a restful stay at the Misibis Bay Resort.
The new Ford Ranger has 13 variants available in the market with prices that range from P709,000.00 to P1,679,000.00, which you check out at any of the authorized Ford dealers located nationwide.
All-New Hyundai Tucson
The motoring media from 3 nations, including the Philippines had the opportunity of test driving the All-New Hyundai Tucson along the road to one of the best tropical destinations in the world—the Island of Boracay last August 19.
Globally, half a million Tucson models are said to be sold in a typical year and this 3rd generation is expected to continue this success.
The All-New Tucson has just been recently named the Best Compact-size Utility Vehicle in Germany by prestigious automotive magazines Auto Bild and Auto Zeitung.
The All-New Tucson is larger than its predecessor and offers increased leg and headroom and extra cargo space. A generous 513-liter cargo area easily accommodates larger amounts of luggage. A new feature is a dual-level rear cargo floor, which further enhances the vehicle’s cargo-carrying versatility and a 1,094 mm-wide opening tailgate makes loading and unloading easier.
With an improved suspension and engineering enhancements, the All-New Tucson is also presented as more responsive, delivering better handling quieter, smoother, more comfortable ride. Its aerodynamics have been improved and provide a class-leading drag coefficient (Cd. 0.33), giving the vehicle enhanced high speed stability and a sleek look.
Furthermore, it is said that the state-of-the-art AWD system helps the All-New Tucson maintain the maximum traction on rough, loose or slippery surfaces and improves lateral stability cornering. It employs Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC), which is the next generation in AWD traction. Previously, AWD systems control wheel spin by braking a spinning wheel or cutting power from the engine. The new ATCC system transfers torque to the wheels that have the most grip.
The All-New Hyundai Tucson can be seen up close and test driven in any of the Hyundai dealers all over the country.
TV shows and websites for auto enthusiasts
Motoring Today, the 28 year-old “Sunday viewing habit” airs on Solar Sports every Sunday at 4 o’clock in the afternoon and has its online counterpart on www.motoringtoday.ph .
Auto Focus, the country’s premier auto TV news and features magazine is broadcast every Thursday at 10 o’clock in the evening and online on www.autofocus.com.ph.
Happy Motoring!!!
For comments and inquiries: sunshine.television@yahoo.com / motoringtoday-star@stv.com.ph