The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signed a memorandum of agreement with Japan-based Zenmov, Inc. and Philippine-based MC Metro Transport Operation, Inc. for a demonstration of an energy-efficient and smart public transportation system that will run within New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac and the rest of Clark Special Economic Zone.
Under this two-year demonstration project, a new public transportation system called Primary Rapid Transit, a “last mile” service, will run in select routes in New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone, and Clark Civil Aviation Complex using Smart Mobility Operation Cloud (SMOC). This application will enable Japan-based information technology (IT) solutions provider Zenmov to measure and verify the effectiveness of the public transport service system, with an aim to maximize operational availability while keeping the number of vehicles at a minimum by managing a lean dispatching system based on travel demand data.
“Smart mobility plays an important role in our commitment to transforming our developments into green, sustainable, and inclusive cities. Learning from global experts in smart city development, like our partners from Japan, we can integrate smart and innovative technologies in our developments, like those of Zenmov, which in the long run will improve the quality of life of the people residing and working in BCDA developments,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang.
This MOA signing comes on the heels of the memorandum of understanding signed between BCDA and Japan’s national research and development agency, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), on January 30, 2023 for a demonstration project on smart mobility technologies to be implemented in New Clark City and its environs. NEDO then appointed Zenmov to implement the smart mobility demonstration program.
To complement the use of SMOC application, Zenmov and MC Metro will likewise deploy low-carbon electric vehicles and bikes as well as install smart poles, drones, and charging stations, among others, for real time data collection and dissemination on traffic management.
At the end of the demonstration project, Zenmov will provide BCDA a final report containing its findings, evaluation, and recommendations, which will include traffic demand analysis, operation feasibility of smart mobility system, quantitative analysis of reduction in greenhouse emissions, among others.
Aside from exploring smart mobility solutions, BCDA and its public and private partners have ushered in significant green measures in its developments, such as maximizing renewable energy sources, promoting active mobility, conserving biodiversity, and setting aside 60 percent of the land area for parks, green spaces and water bodies. These initiatives are all in line with the BCDA’s commitment to sustainable, smart, and green developments.