QUEZON City has rolled out six of its eight newly acquired electric buses for free rides, especially for its residents, Mayor Joy Belmonte announced on Thursday.
Belmonte said the e-buses began plying the route from city hall to Cubao and vice versa.
“It was just a start and we chose Route 1 to test our newly procured ‘Q City e-buses,’ and eventually more routes would be covered to accommodate more commuters,” Belmonte said.
Engelbert Apostol, Public Affairs and Information Office Department (PAISD) chief, said the electric buses would complement the city’s fleet of over 90 city buses as part of its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent in 2030.
With a 41-seating capacity and ample space to accommodate standing passengers, the electric buses are also equipped with wheelchair ramps for persons with disabilities.
Each unit has handrails, fire suppression and emergency equipment, CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras and smart television.
Belmonte, who filed her certificate of candidacy for a third term in the May election, vowed that the city will stay committed to pioneering sustainable practices.
“We are determined to take charge in instituting climate action, such as transitioning to alternative energy sources,” she said.
The project is being implemented in compliance with Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act. This law requires that at least 5 percent of government fleets, whether owned or leased, are electric vehicles.
Belmonte said the initiative was also aligned with the city’s 2021-2050 Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan.
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