New Clark City introduces first Self-Driving bus in PH

PH's First Self-Driving Bus Is Here-And You Can Ride It for Free

Story by Micah Avry Guiao
Spot.ph
13 September 2024

We’ve all been hearing about the rise of self-driving vehicles in the past decade or so but having them in the Philippines seems like a distant reality—until now. New Clark City just became a little more futuristic with the rollout of the first self-driving bus in the country.

The autonomous buses now serve major routes around New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone, and Clark International Airport. The best part? You can hop on one for free—no fare charges until further notice. Or "until the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board advise the parties on fare collection," the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said in a statement.

A BDCA representative told Inquirer that the initial fleet will start with 17 vehicles.

Self-driving buses in New Clark City

This transport system is the brainchild of Japanese tech company Zenmov, Inc. in partnership with local firm MC Metro Transport Operation. 

Using the Smart Mobility Operation Cloud (SMOC), the buses adapt to real-time traffic conditions, reducing congestion and promoting low-carbon transport. The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) agreed to fund the self-driving vehicle demo program, which will run until June 2025.

The project aims to position New Clark City as a model for smart, green urban development, with hopes of scaling similar transport innovations across the country.

"We can definitely learn a lot from Japan’s advanced and innovative transport system," BCDA COO Gisela Kalalo said. "By integrating their smart autonomous vehicle technology, we ensure a more sustainable and scalable transport solution here in Clark."