A Davao-based consortium unveiled yesterday an ambitious, 14-kilometer monorail system for Davao City’s central business district that is projected to cost investors P28Billion to build once feasibility study gives it the green light.
“It will bring us at par with the cities world-wide that are currently using the monorail system,” said Jose “Dondon” Guardo, a Filipino engineer and contractor who worked for 10 years in China.
He said the monorail system, which will be named after the Philippine eagle, is capable of moving 1,000 passengers at any time and will run on rubber tires. It will be built with an average elevation of 5.5 meters from the ground.
The system introduced by the Canadian company Bombardier is popular in China’s major cities, Brazil’s Sao Paulo, Bangkok and in Las Vegas.
Jiang Zhiping, consultant of China Railway Engineering, batted for the monorail’s efficiency and capability to move people in cities.
“It has many advantages if realized in Davao City,” he said.
Guardo said that unlike the LRT system of Metro Manila that is available only after 15 minutes or more, the monorail train opens its doors every 90 seconds.
And since it is elevated, it will be able to avoid traffic girds.
“More floods, the trains can be used to evacuate people to safer areas,” he said.
He added that the system is also relatively cheaper at P40Million per kilometer compared to an LRT that costs P150Million per kilometer.
The monorail system’s route will stretch all the way from Panacan following the major road networks with stations in SM Lanang, Abreza, Gaisano, Roxas Boulevard, Boulevard, Magsaysay, Agdao.
He said one proposed feature is to put up parking malls, in partnership with other investor, along the stations.
“That way, commuters can help ease traffic by parking their cars in the parking malls and take the train towards their destination,” he said.
The consortium said its engineers have proposed a route that will not affect or displace residents.
The consortium is currently in negotiations with City Hall in a bid to get the go-signal for the conduct of a feasibility study.
