Rama: E-trikes? Solve traffic first

CEBU, Philippines - After an industrial company presented yesterday to the Cebu City government the electric tricycle (e-trike) as an alternative transport system, Mayor Michael Rama said the city should first solve its traffic problem.

"It should not be an addition. Mangita man gyud tag barato pero we have to address first how can we reduce (the traffic and) bring space," Rama said.

He added the city should be "a city for the people rather than a city for the vehicles."

"We are going to have BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system. We have to (make sure that) if and when we have the BRT, the road is not preoccupied with other vehicles," he said.

BRT is expected to be fully operational in 2017.

Rama also said there are about 11 means of transportation running around the city at present, such as motorcycles, buses, mini buses, public utility vehicles, taxis, private cars and trucks.

Rama also suggested to the manufacturers to improve the electric tricycles which is also called as e-trikes.

"Magamit siya pero… naay distance kinahanglan i-charge after one kilometer. Ug moabot og certain distance, wa nakay (electricity) ibilin nimo, basin kawaton. They have to do some innovations, improvement so that it can be somehow autonomous. (There's) still much to think about and talk about," Rama said.

Meanwhile, Councilor Ma. Nida Cabrera, who is the chairperson on the Committee on Parks, Playground, Wildlife, Ecology and Environment, supports the idea of having this kind of transportation running around the city.

"No emission, uyon ra ko nga this kind of vehicle ipadagan diri sa atong kadalanan," Cabrera said.

Yesterday was the first time that e-trike was presented in Cebu City by BEET Philippines, Inc., a Manila-based company.

E-trike can run up to the speed of 60 kilometers per hour and can travel up to 100-kilometer on overnight charge. Its daily fuel cost is estimated at P45 to P50 per day.

It is powered by lithium-ion battery and electric motor and can carry seven passengers, including the driver.  — (FREEMAN)