E-buses now part of Quezon City free transport fleet

MANILA, Philippines — In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Quezon City government has procured eight electric buses to complement its fleet providing free transportation to those traveling around the city.

The electric buses will be added to the 90 buses plying different routes under the QCity bus program.

“We are excited to roll out these electric buses to help promote environmental sustainability,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement yesterday.

“We are determined to institute climate action such as transitioning to alternative energy sources,” Belmonte added.

According to the local government, the electrification of the city’s service vehicles is meant to reduce dependence on internal combustion engines, which it said contribute up to 25 percent of black carbon emissions in the transportation sector.

The procurement of the electric buses is in compliance with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act or EVIDA, which mandates that at least five percent of government fleets should be comprised of e-vehicles.

City hall said the move is also aligned with its enhanced local climate change action plan.

The initial testing of the electric buses will commence soon.

The modern electric buses have a 41-seat capacity and ample space for standing passengers.

These are also equipped with wheelchair ramps, handrails, fire suppression, closed-circuit television cameras and smart televisions.