SUBIC BAY

METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY

SBMA to launch e-buses soon
Jun 23, 2025

Subic Bay Freeport – As the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) pushes towards its carbon neutrality goal, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is poised to launch pure battery electric buses (PBEB) in this premier Freeport within the year.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the PBEB project is parallel to the agency’s thrust of making the Freeport the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the Philippines, under the “Race to Carbon Neutrality” program.

He added that the PBEB project will entail the construction of fast electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at the motorpool area of the SBMA Maintenance and Transportation Department (MTD). Another charging station donated by the Department of Energy (DOE) will be installed along Argonaut Highway.

“Ten units of these pure battery electric buses were delivered here in Subic Bay Freeport last May 13. We have road tested one of the buses on May 27 with several members of the SBMA Board. It is quite comfortable and provides easy access for persons with disabilities,” Aliño said.

For the upcoming launch of the PBEBs inside the Freeport, the SBMA has allotted a budget of ₱10 million for the construction of new bus stops, as well as the rehabilitation of existing ones. Its completion is expected by December 2025.

Apart from the EVCs, the project also includes the renovation of the Kalaklan Gate Terminal, which serves as Subic Bay Freeport’s entry point for people coming from Zambales.

A total of 58 bus stops will be constructed, eight around the Central Business District, 16 at the Cubi Area, six at theme park areas, 18 at the Binictican Housing area, and ten at the Kalayaan Housing area.

The PBEBs were acquired through Golden Asia Automotive Builders, Inc., and were manufactured by Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co. Ltd., which was founded in 1988 with over 30 years of bus manufacturing experience.

With a target to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, the SBMA is pushing to become the first Carbon Neutral Port in the country thru initiatives such as the ₱250-million Carbon Neutral Port project with shore power connections for ships.