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On November 10, 2023, the first electric vehicle (EV) designed for public transport in Baguio City was officially handed over to the Irisan Jeepney Operators and Drivers’ Association (IJODA) Transport Cooperative during a ceremonial event at the Ibaloy Heritage Garden in Burnham Park.
Collaborating for Sustainable Transport
Valued at P6.5 million, this EV was funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of the Promotion of Low Carbon Urban Transport Systems in the Philippines (LCT) Project, which aims to enhance sustainable transportation in urban areas.
Programme Analyst Gwyneth Anne Palmos from the UNDP Climate Action Team announced that IJODA is the first recipient of the Electric Vehicle Incentive Programme (EVIP). The program is designed to facilitate the transition of transport cooperatives’ fleets to electric vehicles, prioritizing safer, healthier, and more comfortable travel options.
The new EV accommodates 22 seated and 10 standing passengers and is a critical route between Irisan and Baguio City Plaza. IJODA Chairperson Anert Bangsael shared that this unit will complement their existing fleet of 11 modern jeepneys and 78 traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs). The approved fare structure is set at a minimum of P15 for modern PUJs plus P1.80 per kilometer.
Charging Infrastructure Development
To support the EV’s operation, IJODA has formed a promising partnership with Benguet Electric Cooperative to retro-fit the vehicle’s charging station, adjusting the voltage from 380 volts to a metered 220 volts, which will be financed by the cooperative, paving the way for more electric vehicles in the city.
The EV can be fully recharged overnight at 20 kilowatts using standard charging or up to 60 kilowatts through fast charging. During test runs, the vehicle demonstrated a range of up to 100 kilometers on a full charge, with a low battery alert triggered at 20 percent remaining capacity. The charging process is simple and can be done at the cooperative’s charging station, ensuring the vehicle is ready for service daily.
Although the EV was provided to IJODA at no cost, the cooperative has committed to purchasing at least one additional unit in the future. This demonstrates its dedication to sustainable transport, as the cooperative strongly supports the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong emphasized the significance of this milestone, marking the deployment of Baguio’s first EV for public use. He stated, “This initiative is a key step towards achieving our low carbon urban transport objectives, aligned with our Smart Mobility vision. We also aspire to implement other projects, including an intermodal transport system and an elevated monorail, while promoting modern jeepneys and hybrid vehicles.”
The LCT Project’s EV Incentive Programme aims to serve as a proof of concept for the transition to electric vehicles in public transport, encouraging further investments in sustainable energy by transport cooperatives. This program supports the transition to cleaner and more efficient transport and provides financial incentives to cooperatives, making the switch to electric vehicles more feasible and attractive.
Earlier in October, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed among the city government, IJODA Transport Cooperative, and the three universities of the Dalan ni Taltallak Consortium—St. Louis University, University of Baguio, and University of the Cordilleras. This agreement outlines the shared commitment to promote sustainable transportation initiatives and each party’s specific roles in achieving this goal, serving as a model for other cities.
Additional Support for Sustainable Transportation
In addition to the EV, the UNDP distributed three sets of information and communications technology (ICT) software to the Dalan ni Taltallak Consortium for research and innovation to mitigate the environmental impacts of greenhouse gases (GHGs). These resources are intended to develop data-driven solutions for reducing emissions at the national level.
Furthermore, ICT and transport equipment were also provided to the city’s Traffic and Transportation Management Division to enhance efforts towards adopting eco-friendly transport systems.
UNDP envisions that the adoption of sustainable transportation, particularly in densely populated urban areas, will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting safe, accessible, and efficient mobility options, ultimately advancing health and socioeconomic development.
Source: FIRST ELECTRIC VEHICLE TURNED OVER TO IRISAN JEEPNEY COOP