DOST Hybrid Road Train makes debut at EDSA Evolution

After making an experimental run last year at the Mall of Asia grounds, the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Hybrid Road Train finally saw some real road time ferrying people between two locations last Sunday.

Being one of the highlights of the EDSA Evolution, a road-sharing project by the Bayanihan sa Daan Movement and various other government agencies, the Hybrid Road Train started its run at 7AM giving free trips to a select group of guests and participants from Road 11 at the SM Mall of Asia through Roxas Boulevard to Museo Pambata, Luneta Park, Manila and back.

This unique ‘train’ powered by a hybrid engine that can run on diesel fuel or electric batteries is designed and fabricated by an agency affiliated with the DOST called Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC)

It was officially launched on June 25, 2015 at the Clark Freeport Parade Ground in Pampanga and is only waiting to be fully commercialized in order to begin operations as a public utility vehicle.

The Hybrid Road Train consists of five interlinked coaches with each coach able to accommodate 60 people for a total of 240 passengers per trip.

Using a hybrid engine, it produces less toxic emissions and travels at a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour.

"It is Filipino-made and the parts are locally-sourced. The maintenance, therefore, is also done here," said DOST Assistant Secretary Raymund Liboro.