DOST-Developed Mass Transportation Alternatives Eyed by DOTr as Potential Technology-Based Solution to Easing Passenger Transfers within NAIA Terminals
By: Zalda R. Gayahan
Bicutan, Taguig City - The Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) System is being considered as a means to connect terminals 1 to 4 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum welcomed Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista as the two department heads signed a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the partnership of the DOTr with the DOST, through the Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC).
Present to witness the MOA signing was Engr. Robert O. Dizon, Executive Director of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), who presented to the DOTr Secretary alternative mass transportation technologies developed by the Center: the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) System; Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT), and Hybrid Electric Train (HET).
Mass transportation alternatives developed by the DOST-MIRDC: L - Automated Guideway Transit (AGT), center - Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT), and R - Hybrid Electric Train
DOTr Secretary Bautista immediately saw the benefits of adopting these home-grown mass transportation technologies, particularly the AGT which offers the best solution to make transfers to various terminals of the NAIA easy and convenient.
DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista (L), DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum (center), and DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Engr. Robert O. Dizon, view and discuss the possibility of utilizing DOST-developed mass transportation technologies such as the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) to connect Terminals 1 to 4 of the NAIA.
Aside from the AGT, the HERT is also seen as a possible alternative to buses for the EDSA Carousel and the articulated buses for the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in the country.
To formalize these concepts, the DOTr and DOST agreed to work on the preparation of a project proposal for further consideration by the two agencies. Should this proposal later progress and be implemented as a joint project, the public can expect to have safer and more convenient public transportation.
