Camp John Hay to launch trial run for EV shuttle service; Free rides are available during the trial period
In Photo: Members of the Board of Directors and top officials of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and representatives from DeviceDesign Co. Ltd and Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative (CBSTC) try out the John Hay Loop, an electric-vehicle transport shuttle service to be demonstrated in Camp John Hay. (BCDA File Photo)
A six-month demonstration run of the “John Hay Loop,” an electric-vehicle transport shuttle service in Camp John Hay, is set to launch soon, aiming to boost accessibility, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance visitor experience within the zone.
On 24 June 2025, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiary John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) formalized their partnership with South Korea-based DeviceDesign Co., Ltd. and Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative (CBSTC) with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the pilot run, which aims to assess the viability, performance, and community impact of the proposed intra-zone transport service.
Targeted to start on 15 July, the trial run will involve an initial three units of electric vehicles that will operate around Camp John Hay with no fare required from passengers.
“Through this project, the BCDA seeks to show its commitment to help Baguio City and the community in addressing emerging urban problems, while also fulfilling our promise to take care of the environment and Baguio’s natural charm and beauty. This also exhibits BCDA’s innovation-driven outlook for its properties—our willingness to embrace climate-resilient mobility solutions to drive sustainable development, enhance efficiency, and create smarter, future-ready communities,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang.
The pilot shuttle service will loop around designated stations around Camp John Hay, with pre-determined routes and schedules to be finalized by the parties prior to the start of operations.
DeviceDesign and the CBSTC will evaluate commuter experience and assess logistical and operational constraints of the service through ridership monitoring, customer feedback collection, operational data gathering, and performance evaluation. They will then provide recommendations and design inputs for the long-term implementation of John Hay Loop.
CBSTC CEO Jude Wal explained that the cooperative will operate the latest e-vehicle technology that can navigate the rough terrain of Baguio City, making it also viable for other areas in the Cordillera region.
“We are very thankful that the BCDA thought of this loop. We believe that if we have an efficient and effective public transportation system, it will stimulate the economy of a place, and we share this vision with the BCDA,” he said.
DeviceDesign President and CEO Young Guk Cho added, “We believe that Camp John Hay can become a model for smart and green city development in the Philippines. This project is not just about technology, it’s about improving life and building a brighter future for the people of Baguio and beyond.”
The John Hay Loop project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal No. 13: Climate Action. ###
