(SPOT.ph) The first Pinoy-made mass transport Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) will soon be built inside the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, reports GMA News.
According to smarkskyways.com, an AGT is a driverless, fully automated, grade-separated rail transit system similar to the local Light Rail Transit System (LRT) and the Metro Rail Transit System (MRT). The construction of the local AGT will begin today, July 19.
Science Secretary Mario Montejo said that locally building the AGT costs only a fifth of the price of importing the facility. According to an ABS-CBN report, the prototype will have two 60-passenger coaches running on one track. This compact design, according to Montejo, suits local conditions for mobility, easing travel around more populated areas in Metro Manila. He added that the electricity-powered system is more environment-friendly since it does not emit smoke.
According to GMA News, the UP administration said the AGT prototype will test the feasibility of this alternative mass transport system in the country's urban centers.