DOST launches hybrid electric road train to help ease metro traffic

Published June 25, 2015 6:01pm

With the Light and Metro Rail Transit systems hobbled by recent disruptions, could this be the next big thing for urban commuters?

The Department of Science and Technology on Thursday launched its hybrid train at Clark, GMA News' Maki Pulido reported on GMA News TV's News to Go.

Developed by local scientists, the hybrid road train measures 40 meters and is suitable for three-lane roads.

Each train has three to four coaches, with each coach capable of accommodating 60 passengers - or up to about 240 per train.

DOST rolls out road train, seen as boon to mass urban transportThe Department of Science and Technology (DOST) rolls...

Posted by Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST) on Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Also, the vehicle is claimed to have lower emissions, with all materials and technologies readily available locally.

Each road train uses a generator that can run on diesel or electric batteries. The generator is stored in the fifth coach.

When the vehicle's brakes are deployed, the energy from the braking is converted into electricity.

The vehicle took about three years and P45 million to develop.

As to when it will start hitting the streets and servicing commuters, the DOST said it will depend on interest from business or transportation groups. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News

Tags: dost, alternativeenergy, hybridtrain