[Comments on] Joint Knowledge Sharing Event on Transport, Urban and Energy Nexus Opportunities for Low Carbon Development

The Transport, Urban and Energy Sector Groups, in collaboration with the Climate Change & DRM Thematic Group, organised a Joint Knowledge Sharing Event on Transport, Urban and Energy Nexus Opportunities for Low Carbon Development. The event took place at LRC 3, ADB Headquarters last 20 October 2015, 12:00 - 1:30 pm.

Presentation 1
The first topic on Waste-to-Fuel Technologies was presented by Nawon Kim (EAEN). She discussed that she and other participants visited Korea's mature waste-to-fuel technologies and learned a lot from this ADB-funded week-long training. Interestingly, we can actually generate fuel from our waste and use it for vehicles. Wastes can potentially benefit us when we turn them into good use as such! Would these waste-to-fuel technologies be adopted in other countries? Let's hope and and see that these technologies will gain much traction in the region.

Presentation 2
Keiichi Tamaki (SAUW) discussed Electric Vehicle-based Public Transportation. He presented electric vehicle-based transport in Nepal and how this has been increasingly used in other Asean countries.

Presentation 3
The last topic on Integrated Mass Transit Corridors was energetically presented by duo David Margonsztern (CWUW) and Lloyd Wright (SDAS). Cities across the region would benefit from lesser congestion and carbon emissions when integrated mass transit corridors are developed. This introduces new paradigm in conceptualizing projects to be cross cutting in different subsectors and able to deliver better services.

Transport/Transportation in the Bible

Jeremiah 31:21
Set up road signs;
put up guide posts.
Take note of the highway,
the road that you take.

PALexpress Experience from Manila to Tuguegarao

Last Saturday, 24 October 2009, I traveled back home to Tuguegarao for semester break. The journey was one of my memorable trips because that was my first time to ride an airplane in going home. For the past six years, I usually travel by bus wherein the trip takes about 12 hours. Now, let me share how i got into this new exciting trip.

Purchase of Ticket. PAL posted an airfare promo in Philippine Daily Inquirer on the second week of August. I immediately grabbed the chance to book a very cheap round trip flight Manila-Tuguegarao-Manila. The total airfare was P1,592. If this amount is compared to a de luxe bus fare which costs P700 or a total of P1,400 for round trip, thus, airfare is relatively cheap and acceptable.

Other Benefits of Air Travel. Air travel time from Manila to Tuguegarao is only one hour while bus travel time is 12 hours. In air travel though there is actually some required added waiting time which is about two hours before boarding. The total of three hours for air travel is still shorter than when traveling by bus.

During the date of departure, I left Diliman, Quezon City around 6:30 am and arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 around 8:00 am. Too early for actual time of departure at 10:30 am. I think I was so excited to go home. Then, I waited patiently for the check-in and boarding.

At exactly 11:15 am, the plane took off the runway. The aircraft was Bombardier Q400 type of airplane, a 76-seater that has turboprop engines. This type of aircraft is smaller than the airbus type I have flown with and its movements can easily be felt by passengers. As the plane flew up above the sky, I saw the aerial view of Manila Bay, the cottony and fluffy clouds, and very bright sky. Though engines were blaring noisily, a seat mate who is an OFW engaged me in small talk and my iPod played my favorite songs definitely made the trip enjoyable.

Around 11:30 am, the co-pilot announced that the plane is already above Cabanatuan City. Then, the noisy engines and small talk continued. I was unmindful of the time until the crew announced that the plane was nearing the approach of Tuguegarao airport. Then, I felt the plane turning, passing above the riverside area, Tanza-Balzain Junction, Jollibee Tanza, Brickstone Mall, and residential areas. At 12:15 pm, the plane finally landed in Tuguegarao City.

Two thumbs up for the trip! I might get used to this mode of transport in going home to my home province. How about you? What can you share about your new trip or latest adventure? You can share by commenting below.

Update:Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 11:11 PM Pacific Time

Bus Rapid Transit

Have you heard of BRT or Bus Rapid Transit system?

'Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a broad term given to a variety of transportation systems that, through improvements to infrastructure, vehicles and scheduling, attempt to use buses to provide a service that is of a higher quality than an ordinary bus line. Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a broad term given to a variety of transportation systems that, through improvements to infrastructure, vehicles and scheduling, attempt to use buses to provide a service that is of a higher quality than an ordinary bus line.'

'An ideal bus rapid transit service would be expected to include most of the following features:

1. Bus only, grade-separated (or at-grade exclusive) right-of-way;

2. Comprehensive coverage;

3. Serves a diverse market with high-frequency all day service;

4. Bus priority / bus lanes;

5. Vehicles with tram-like characteristics.'

Comparison with other forms of mass transit

'BRT attempts to combine the advantages of a metro system (noticeably right-of-way which improves punctuality and frequency) with the advantages of a bus system (low construction and maintenance costs, right-of-way not required for entire length).

Compared to standard bus service BRT systems with dedicated right-of-way lanes, and thus an increased average vehicle speed, can provide more passenger miles with the same number of vehicles and personnel. They also bring about a smoother ride than a normal bus immersed in stop-and-go traffic.'

to read more click here

Examples of BRT systems currently operating in the world:

-- Transmilenio system in Bogotá

--OC Transpo Transitway, Ottawa

--South-East Busway, Brisbane

--Metro Bus Tunnel, Seattle

--Silver Line, Boston

In the Philippines, BRT system is being studied and developed in Cebu. For further details, click here.