Makati eyes e-bus rollout in 2024

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 5) - Makati City plans to roll out electric buses in 2024 after securing a $13 million grant (over ₱700 million) from the South Korean government, Mayor Abby Binay said on Friday.

Binay told CNN Philippines' Traffic Center that they expect to deploy around 30 to 50 units of e-buses, which she said is equipped with more advanced technology.

"This is not just a simple electric vehicle bus…It's a smart transport system where there will be fleet management, there will be [a] mobile passenger information system. It will tell you what time you will arrive at your destination. It will also have an automated fare collection system, so everything will be digital," she said.

While there are no estimated rates yet, the mayor assured the fare will be affordable.

She added that the local government is considering fare subsidies for Makati citizens, considering that funding for the project will come from the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

According to Binay, the e-bus rollout is part of the city's initiatives towards building a "smart and green" public transportation system.

Meanwhile, the mayor admitted there has been a delay in the construction of the $3.7-billion (₱200 billion) Makati subway project due to lockdowns in China, where most of the engineers are from.

"There will be a slight delay, but hopefully, the delay would not be substantial," she said.

It was earlier reported that the subway--which will have 10 stations--is expected to be completed by 2025.