Aiming to reduce the city's worsening air pollution, the first solar powered bus by Glad to be Green (G2BG) arrived in Baguio on Tuesday, June 7.
The "Green Bus," a four-wheeled public transporter running on solar power, is set to provide free rides to help reduce the volume of cars clogging the main streets and is expected to help improve the air quality of the city.
An environment-friendly and zero-emissions public transport, Green Bus has been tested by G2BG on various terrains in different times of the day and under various weather conditions.
A non-government organization, G2BG will be charting the best route for Green Bus for maximum passenger value, maximum capacity and efficiency. In partnership with Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO), G2BG is set to plan Green Bus schedules, stops and routes.
G2BG CEO Gladys Vergara De Vera said that the Glad to be Green project aims to make Baguio the first solar-energized city in the country. Last year, the same group installed 14 solar panel lights at the Baguio Cathedral compound.
The solar lights were donated to the parish through Guam Consortium, Inc., headed by Chit Sarmiento, in an alliance with the Glad to be Green project.
“A major part of our advocacy is to develop and invest in meaningful social responsibility projects that will showcase the environmental and economic benefits of Solar Power,” De Vera said.
Meanwhile, in hopes of getting support from the transport sector, a solar powered tricyle drove around Harrison during a test drive earlier today.
The "Solar Trike" seats up to 10 passengers and is driven exactly like a regular tricyle, while Green Bus can accommodate up to 20 people.
The fast-charging vehicles can be fully charged within two-hours. Once fully charged, they run up to 150 kilometers.
According to Yacov Maimon, the inventor of the solar vehicles: “Unlike other solar technology, this does not need to be in direct sunlight; as long as there is light from the sun, it will charge.”
The solar triclye is estimated at $2,000 while the solar bus is worth $20,000.
De Vera said they were advised of two-month demonstration period for the vehicles by Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan.
Photo and Source: Sun Star Baguio ABS-CBN
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