The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has launched an electric bus pilot in its Central Business District as part of efforts to make the Subic Bay Freeport Zone carbon-neutral by 2030. The trial, which ran fare-free, tested the buses’ operational performance, passenger comfort, and charging efficiency under real-world conditions. Four electric buses currently serve the CBD route, with the pilot marking a key step toward a full rollout of the Pure Battery Electric Bus (PBEB) project.
Under the PBEB initiative, SBMA has allocated PHP10 million (USD169,500) to construct and upgrade 58 bus stops across the Freeport, including eight in the CBD and others in Cubi, Binictican, Kalayaan, and theme park areas. The facilities are expected to be completed by December 2025. SBMA received 10 e-buses in May 2025, with initial testing conducted earlier this year. The project complements SBMA’s PHP250 million (USD4.2 million) Carbon Neutral Port program, which will provide shore power connections to vessels docking at Subic.
The initiative aligns with national priorities to accelerate the shift toward sustainable and smart transport, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Projects such as Project GreenWAVE in Siargao and ScrapCycle Technology were highlighted as examples of circular economy initiatives transforming waste into new value streams.