THE Zamboanga City Government is eyeing to introduce mass transport system to serve key areas like the airport, seaport and integrated bus terminal as well as other parts here.

This was announced by Cesar Raz, assistant city administrator, citing the city government is purchasing 15 units shuttle bus of 35-seater each to serve the key areas of this city.

Raz said the buses will have a loop service route with designated bus stops in the following areas: IBT, airport, seaport, junction of Barangay Lunzuran, San Bernardino Bridge in Guiwan, Sta. Cruz Commercial Complex, Barangay Sta. Maria, Governor Camins Avenue, Western Mindanao State University, and Barangay Tetuan.

Raz said the shuttle buses will be equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, television, air-conditioned and internet access.

The government official said the fielding of the shuttle bus is for the comfort of this city’s visitors and not aimed to compete with the public utility jeeps (PUJs).

He said the fare for each passenger will be P18 and the payment will be through a pay card system.

The bus that would be purchased would either by of solar-powered or powered by Euro 4 type of gasoline, which is eco-friendly, Raz added.

He said the local government would need to allocate P40 million to push through with the project. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)