Mayor eyes tramline system in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – A tramline might soon be running along Session Road here. Mayor Peter Reinaldo Bautista Jr. is currently studying a proposal by a Spanish company, Advena, to build a two-kilometer tram line to go around the city’s central business district. The proposed tramline would start at the Baguio Patriotic High School down to the Maharlika area going up to Session Road. It would also pass SM City Baguio, Upper Session Road, The Baguio Convention Center, and the University of the Philippines-Baguio. “The system will occupy one whole lane (of) Session Road,” Bautista said, adding that the setting up of a tramline was the idea of Joseph Delano Bernardo, the Philippine Ambassador to Spain, who is from this city. Bautista also said that according to Advena's proposal, the tramline system could be installed within a year once it is approved. Bautista said the tramline, once installed, would ease pollution and traffic problems in the city. “This is the best solution to help clean the air. This will also be an added attraction for the city if plans push through,” he said. Bautista said the proposed mass transport system would have four electric cable cars with a capacity of 70 persons. It would run at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour and operate for eight hours every day. If pursued, the Baguio tramline would be the first in the country. Bautista said they are batting for a zero cash investment for the P721,898,014-project by getting private companies to invest in the project. He said he is eyeing the Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), which operates the Metro Rail Transit System in Manila, as one of the investors. - Ma. Elena Catajan, GMANews.TV