A businessman offered to set up an elevated light weight monorail system that will cover 24 areas including landmark locations in Cebu City and extend to parts of Mandaue City.
In his proposal to the Cebu City Council Jose Guardo, chief architect of the Maglev Vision Corp., said their “city gliders” consist of a rotary magnetic array propulsion wheel in every station.
Each train will have three coaches that could accommodate 20 passengers per coach. Each coach can also accommodate 12 wheelchairs for the elderly and persons with disabilities.
The trains cost P50 million each and will run on solar power. The train’s roof will be made of solar panels.
Guardo said the gliders can also be converted for use as a loop in the Maglev Formula One Grand Prix Racing Circuit, a yearly or bi-annual event which the city could organize to help boost the local economy.
Landmarks
The City Council referred the proposal to the transportation committee for study.
Mayor Michael Rama said he would welcome alternative modes of transport in the city provided this doesn’t obstruct the view of its landmarks.
“I need to be convinced where it will pass through,” he said.
Guardo said their “glider system” will cover the Capitol area, Fuente Osmeña, Colon, Plaza Independencia, Pier 4, SM Mall, and IT Park among others.
It can also take passengers to Subangdaku and near the San Miguel Brewery in Mandaue City.
Expensive
Guardo said the train system is the best answer to Cebu City’s transport needs due to its narrow road system.
“To elevate the roads is really the solution or to create subways. But if flooding or cost is an issue then we shouldn’t entertain the idea about a subway because subways are expensive to build and traffic congestion during construction will be a mega problem for Cebu City,” Guardo said.