Cable cars to be built in Baguio

A novel transport system will soon be studied to determine the viability of self-driving cable cars for testing in Baguio City.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Zip Infrastructure Co. Ltd. to conduct a feasibility study on cable cars – called Zippar – for installation inside Camp John Hay, Baguio.

“The Zippar or self-driven cable cars to be tested in Baguio City, could be a game-changer for urban public transport while presenting an ideal green transport model. But we choose to temper our excitement with the need to first undertake the requisite feasibility studies. We hope to determine the possibility of adopting Zippar to a highly congested metropolis like Metro Manila,” Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said during the MOU signing, witnessed by Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista.

Under the MOU, the Zip Infrastructure will prepare a feasibility study for operations and maintenance of its self-driven cable car system. Aside from its versatile design that allows riding in curves and branches, it will remain automated and operated from a control center.

It will also further provide an alternative transport system that will help ease up traffic congestion, give better accessibility and mobility, and help promote efficient and sustainable transport. 

“If we can maintain the momentum of public transport innovations, we can be certain of achieving the promised benefits of these projects,” Sec. Bautista said.

Present during the MOU signing were Secretary Jaime Bautista, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang and Zip Infrastructure CEO Takamasa Suchi with Zip Infrastructure Director and Head of Business Development Mario Ian Carlos Ferido Rebonquin.