SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE (PIA) — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has begun testing electric buses within the Central Business District (CBD) of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, marking a significant step toward its goal of becoming the country’s first carbon-neutral economic zone by 2030.
The dry run seeks to assess the performance of the electric buses under actual passenger conditions and ensure operational readiness ahead of the full implementation of the Pure Battery Electric Bus (PBEB) project.
SBMA Deputy Administrator for Corporate Communications Armie Llamas said the week-long trial will allow the agency to evaluate the efficiency, functionality, and support systems needed for the e-bus operations.
“The e-bus dry run will be held from November 3 up to November 9, from 6 A.M. to 7 P.M., and no fares shall be collected during the dry run period,” she said.
Llamas added that the e-bus program forms part of SBMA’s broader thrust to transform the Subic Bay Freeport Zone into a carbon-neutral port by 2030.
Currently, four e-buses are deployed along the CBD route to test charging capacity, route efficiency, and passenger comfort.
Under the PBEB project, SBMA has allocated ₱10 million for the construction of new bus stops and the rehabilitation of existing ones.
A total of 58 bus stops will be installed throughout the Freeport—eight in the CBD, 16 in the Cubi area, six near theme parks, 18 in the Binictican Housing area, and ten in the Kalayaan Housing area.
The completion of these facilities is targeted by December 2025.
SBMA received 10 e-buses in May 2025, and one was road-tested with members of the SBMA Board prior to the dry run.
The initiative is part of SBMA’s ‘Race to Carbon Neutrality’ campaign, which includes other sustainability efforts such as the ₱250-million Carbon Neutral Port project that provides shore power connections for vessels docking in Subic. (MJSC/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
