First solar-powered ‘podcar’ transport in Southeast Asia to operate in Ilagan, Isabela

Isabela, Philippines – If everything goes as planned, Ilagan City in Isabela will usher in a new era of commuting with the environment-friendly mass transport system called the ‘podcar’ system.

‘Podcars’ are automated driverless vehicles that will operate on raised platforms above the existing roads and highways to create a seamless new transportation system, defines Futran System, the first company that produces podcars in the country.

The transit system is operational in some cities in Germany, Japan, and China and has been proven to be an efficient and cost-effective mode of public transport.

On Friday, Nov. 24, the groundbreaking of what is said to be the first podcar system to be established in the country and in Southeast Asia was conducted in Ilagan City.

The project will be a 10-kilometer stretch and will include a solar-powered 24/7 automated podway transport network. There will be nine stations within the city.

Each unit of pods will be six to 20-seaters that will run at a fixed speed on a dedicated track in the air, so there is no traffic congestion or time wasted for passengers, according to Futran System.

Passengers can request a pod for individual or shared use via a mobile phone app, at station-based kiosks or online pre-loaded access.

“The Futran Podcar system is designed to run at a profit, even while running at some of the lowest rates of any public transportation system anywhere in the world. As a result, no state subsidization is required and the operators of the system can in fact contribute to the revenue base of the city by paying a royalty for the use of public land,” states Futran in its website.

The fund to be allocated for the project ranges from 6 to 8 billion pesos and is expected to operate within two years from the start of construction.

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