Subic plans to roll out e-buses 

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to launch pure battery electric buses (PBEB) within the year, a key step as the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) moves toward its goal of carbon neutrality, according to a report by Manila Standard.

SBMA chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño stated that the PBEB project aligns with the agency’s “Race to Carbon Neutrality” program, which aims to make the Freeport the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the Philippines.

Aliño added that the PBEB project will include the construction of fast electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at the motorpool area of the SBMA Maintenance and Transportation Department (MTD).

Another charging station, donated by the Department of Energy (DOE), will be installed along Argonaut Highway.

“Ten units of these pure battery electric buses were delivered here in Subic Bay Freeport last May 13,” Aliño said.

“We have road tested one of the buses on May 27 with several members of the SBMA Board. It is quite comfortable and provides easy access for persons with disabilities.”

For the upcoming launch, the SBMA has allotted a budget of P10 million for the construction of new bus stops and the rehabilitation of existing ones, with completion expected by December 2025.

In addition to the EVCS, the project also includes the renovation of the Kalaklan Gate Terminal, which serves as Subic Bay Freeport’s entry point for people coming from Zambales.

A total of 58 new bus stops will be constructed: eight around the Central Business District, 16 at the Cubi Area, six at theme park areas, 18 at the Binictican Housing area, and 10 at the Kalayaan Housing area.

The PBEBs were acquired through Golden Asia Automotive Builders Inc. and manufactured by Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co. Ltd., a company founded in 1988 with over 30 years of bus manufacturing experience.

With a target to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, the SBMA is pushing to become the first Carbon Neutral Port in the country through initiatives such as the P250-million Carbon Neutral Port project, which includes shore power connections for ships.