First Balfour is exploring a plan to develop a green, electric-powered transport system in Iloilo City to support its transformation into one of the country’s most livable and highly urbanized cities.

The transport plan was discussed during a recent meeting between officials of the Iloilo City local government unit, led by Mayor Jerry Treñas, and representatives of First Balfour.

If implemented, the First Balfour project will help the city attain a number of objectives such as reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion, promoting local tourism, creating new jobs and improving the local government’s delivery of service.

As envisioned by First Balfour, the integrated transportation project will call for the deployment of a fleet of electric buses and the development of a supporting infrastructure, potentially a bus rapid transit system.

A shift to the use of nonpolluting electric vehicles, which is part of Iloilo City’s long-term plans, will serve as one of the pillars upon which it will transform itself into a top livable highly urbanized center in the country.

The provision of an efficient mass transport system is also expected to reduce vehicle volume on the road, ultimately helping to address traffic congestion.

First Balfour hopes its proposal can be incorporated as an enhancement to Iloilo City’s local public transport route plan, whose objectives include improving the convenience and safety of public transportation for the riding public.

(Story by: Joel Gaborni)