First Driverless Bus Service In PH: A Glimpse Into The Future?

Electric vehicles have been gradually incorporated into the public transport system in recent years. New Clark City is taking it a step further this year by introducing a smart autonomous, or “driverless”, electric bus service in the area.

This e-bus, a product of the partnership between Japan-based Zenmov and MC Metro Transportation Operation, Inc., is the first publicly accessible, self-driving bus in the country. To encourage trial from people in the area, the bus service is free of charge.

It will be running select routes in New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone, and Clark International Airport as part of a demonstration project that uses a state-of-the-art transportation cloud system called Smart Mobility Operation Cloud (SMOC), which is a data-based system aimed at optimizing transport in the area.

Coming Soon In Manila?

“We can definitely learn a lot from Japan’s advanced and innovative transport system,” BCDA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Gisela Z. Kalalo said. “By integrating their smart autonomous vehicle technology, we ensure a more sustainable and scalable transport solution here in Clark, making it easier to get around, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting a green and low-carbon environment,” he added.

SMOC can determine transport demand in real-time, which allows it to maximize operational availability while minimizing vehicles depending on the number of commuters. Can this be a model for Metro Manila public transport in the future?

Zenmov Business Development Specialist Yukari Fuchi thinks that, with further studies, it might be possible. “I really don’t know if we can quickly deploy that system to Manila… In the future, of course we are hoping and we are wishing,” she said.

Safety And Efficiency

For one, the general public will need to be reassured that driverless buses are safe. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is making sure its pilot project wins the people’s trust by assigning a safety officer to man the bus and make sure everything runs smoothly.

“The vehicle has several sensors, several cameras. Those sensors are used to detect if there will be objects kung meron man,” BCDA Vice President Randy Viacrusis said. “Nakaprograma na ang mga distances, locations where to stop for the loading and unloading.”

Driverless public transport is already being implemented in countries like the England, US, and Germany, where they are generally considered safe and effective. The BCDA hopes that this project could promote sustainability and efficiency in the country’s transport system.

“While it promotes efficiency for transport operations, it also helps the sustainability ng ating New Clark City,” Viacrusis said. “Promote po aming vision as the smart and innovative city, a unique feature and one of the kind dito sa ating country,” he adds.