Free EV shuttle service rolls out in Camp John Hay

Thousands of residents, workers, and tourists in Camp John Hay can now enjoy free, eco-friendly rides with the launch of the John Hay Loop, a six-month electric vehicle (EV) shuttle service pilot aimed at improving mobility and promoting sustainable transport in Baguio City.

The program, led by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), its subsidiary John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), and private sector partners Device Design Co. Ltd., LexSwitch, and the Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative, will serve nearly 4,000 estate residents and workers, as well as Baguio’s growing number of eco-conscious visitors.

Three 22-seater EV shuttles, with additional standing room for nine passengers, are now servicing eight designated stations across the estate. These include stops at the John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Le Monet Hotel, Camp John Hay Grounds, Forest Lodge, South Drive, Outlook Drive, John Hay Golf, and the estate’s main gate.

Powered by 70-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion batteries with fast-charging capability, the EVs can be fully recharged in under 90 minutes. A built-in 7-kWh slow charger also serves as a backup.

“This initiative moves us closer to a cleaner, faster, and more connected Baguio,” said BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. “Through this partnership with the private sector and international community, we are building a sustainable transport model that will benefit residents, workers, and tourists for years to come.”

Under a memorandum of understanding signed in June, LexBuild Group and LexSwitch EcoMobility Inc. are providing the EV units and charging infrastructure, while Device Design Co. Ltd. supplies station markers and monitoring technology. The Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative, along with Device Design, will oversee ridership monitoring and commuter satisfaction to guide long-term implementation.

The project supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11) and Climate Action (Goal 13). Officials said the pilot could become a model for sustainable transport integration in other tourism and economic estates nationwide.