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MIRDC Treats the Public a Free Ride on the AGT

"Molding the Future of Metal Industries"

On the day of the Lantern Parade at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) Project Management Engineering and Design Service Office (PMEDSO), in collaboration with the UPD, held the first ever demonstration of the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) System to the public. The demo likewise served as simulation of the use of the AGT ticketing system. It was also the same day that the Road Train, another project spearheaded by the MIRDC under the Advanced Transport Program of the DOST, was launched. 

The public demo started on the morning of December 18. DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo and Assistant Secretary Robert O. Dizon, who is also Officer-in-Charge of the MIRDC, together with UPD Chancellor, Dr. Caesar A. Saloma, welcomed guests who came to join the event. The AGT ride started with a short ribbon-cutting ceremony. The guests were then given the passenger cards. Like what happens in the LRT and the MRT, they were asked to pass through the turnstyle before they can go up to the waiting area which is at the third floor of the newly-built passenger station.

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Sec. Montejo leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The AGT's ticketing system undergoes simulation during the demo run.

 

 

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UPD Chancellor Caesar Saloma taps the card to gain entrance through the turnstyle.

 

 

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Joining Sec. Montejo, Asec. Dizon and Chancellor Saloma

 

 

 

AGT were representatives from MIRDC’s industry partners, the academe, and other DOST offices. The ride from station 1 (along C.P. Garcia, near Fine Arts Building) to station 2, which is located along the University Avenue, took approximately one and a half minutes. It was a perfect opportunity to present to the guests that the locally-designed and developed mass transit system is rolling – the realization of a safe and clean mass transport alternative.

 

The passengers alighted from the AGT at station 2 where the Road Train was waiting to pick them up along University Avenue. The Road Train was also presented to the public, and selected personalities were allowed to board. At this point of its development, it can only accommodate a few seated passengers. It was showcased along with the Public Demo of the AGT so as to let everyone know how the AGT and the Road Train can possibly connect and be of great use for the commuting public. The Road Train is a centrally-powered prototype of hybrid electric road train designed for public transport. It is one of the newest additions to the DOST-MIRDC’s proud R&D outputs. Its development using locally available technology is geared towards addressing pressing national challenges on urban transport. The Road Train travelled the short distance from the AGT’s station 2 toward Quezon Hall. Upon reaching their destination, the passengers were greeted by UP President Alfredo E. Pascual. The DOST-MIRDC is very grateful to the entire UPD officials and staff for the accommodation and support they continually give. Very soon, the two projects will reach completion and the UPD is a big part of the upcoming success.

 

 

 

 

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The AGT (left) and the Road Train (right) are part of the DOST-MIRDC’s Advanced Transport Program that will help solve traffic problems in key cities of the country.