Quezon City deploys more electric buses

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City’s free bus program is now more environment-friendly as the local government started the pilot-test of six brand-new electric buses yesterday.

The initial batch of electric buses will ply the Q City Bus Route 1 from city hall to Cubao and vice versa.

According to the city government, the electric Q City buses have a seating capacity of 41, with additional space for a limited number of standing passengers.

The buses, which have lower floors for easier access, are also equipped with wheelchair ramps, handrails, fire suppression and emergency equipment as well as closed-circuit television cameras and smart TV.

The local government fielded traffic personnel to ensure the orderly deployment of the new electric buses.

The buses were procured late last year and will be added to the 90 buses plying different routes in Quezon City.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said the rollout of the electric buses is part of the city’s “dedication to implement programs and policies that promote environmental sustainability.”

“We are determined to take charge in instituting climate action such as transitioning to alternative energy sources,” Belmonte said.

In an earlier statement, the local government said the electrification of the city’s service vehicles aims to reduce dependence on internal combustion engines.

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

The move is aligned with the city government’s enhanced local climate change action plan.

The Q City Bus has eight routes connecting major areas in the city.

Additional electric buses are expected to be procured in the future.