Province of Cotabato Eyes the DOST’s Hybrid Electric Road Train as the Province’s Alternative Mode of Transportation
by Kai H. Negado
The Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT), home-grown mass transportation technology, is soon going to be used in the province of Cotabato.
The provincial government of Cotabato signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and the DOST Regional Office XII on July 3, 2023 at Tuburan Hall, Amas, Kidapawan City on the adoption of the HERT.
L to R: DOST XII Regional Director Sammy P. Malawan, Cotabato Vice Governor-elect Efren Piñol, DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang, Cotabato Governor Emmylou J. Taliño-Mendoza, and DOST-MIRDC Deputy Director for Technical Services Jonathan Q. Puerto as DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon’s official representative during the MOA signing.
As a prelude to Cotabato’s adoption and utilization of the HERT, the provincial government, DOST XII, and DOST-MIRDC will conduct test runs of the HERT along the roads of Cotabato, with options to re-engineer or modify existing roads to ensure its smooth operation in the area. DOST-MIRDC will train identified personnel from the province to ensure the sustainability of operating and maintaining the HERT.
The HERT is specially designed as an alternative to mass transport systems - its joined buses with a total length of 45 meters can carry 240 passengers. The HERT is powered by a combination of diesel fuel and electric-powered batteries, a feature that results in the reduction of emissions. It also features a regenerative brake system, which makes this technology all the more environmentally friendly.
The HERT will be adopted for use by the provincial government of Cotabato after the completion of the dry run, training, and technology transfer. As such, the HERT is expected to be seen traversing Cotabato’s roads by 2024.
In addition, a task Force will be created to conduct research on the socio-economic impact of the adoption of the HERT to the province of Cotabato.
The DOST-MIRDC shares with the metals industry a vision of enhanced productivity and competitiveness. The HERT and its adoption by the provincial government of Cotabato is a testament to the vital role of the metals industry in addressing pressing issues and boosting the economy through science, technology, and innovation.
To be updated on all technologies developed by the DOST-MIRDC, visit the Center’s website, www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph and DOST-MIRDC facebook page.
