Free EV ride to take visitors around John Hay to start August 15, 2025
John Hay in Baguio City just became more accessible and tourist friendly. A free shuttle service that loops at regular times around the tourist spot is being piloted which will provide access to all of the major areas of the previous U.S. Air Base. It helps people who have no cars move around the base. So, if you are a tourist who wants to see what John Hay has to offer, you can just take a taxi to the main gate and from there, you can take the free shuttle to eat, shop and play sports.
Made possible through the collaboration of BCDA, JHMC, LexSWITCH, and CBSTC, this new pilot shuttle service—called the JOHN HAY LOOP—offers free rides aboard 3 e-buses for residents, visitors, and workers at Camp John Hay.
The John Hay Loop, an innovative, eco-friendly electric vehicle (EV) shuttle service operating within Camp John Hay, Baguio City embodies the group’s commitment to reducing emissions, easing traffic, and enriching the travel experience for residents, workers, and tourists.
Key Highlights of the John Hay EV Service
Comprehensive, Free Shuttle Service
- The John Hay Loop encompasses three electric shuttle units, operating for a six-month pilot phase at no cost to users.
- Daily operation runs from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with arrivals every 5 to 10 minutes, delivering seamless and reliable mobility.
Versatile Capacity and Clean Energy Backbone
- Each EV unit can carry 22 seated and 9 standing passengers, totaling a 31-person capacity per vehicle.
- Powered by 70 kWh lithium-ion batteries with fast-charging support—full recharge achieved in under 90 minutes—plus a 7 kWh onboard slow charger as emergency backup.
Extensive Coverage within Camp John Hay
The shuttle connects major internal destinations through eight strategically placed stations, including:
1. Main Gate Station – John Hay Trade and Cultural Center
2. Filling Station A – near Le Monet Hotel
3. Scout Hill Station A – Camp John Hay Grounds
4. Mile Hi Station A – Forest Lodge area
5. Gate 4 Station – to South Drive & Outlook Drive
6. Sheridan Station – near John Hay Golf Course
7. Mile Hi Station B – toward Forest Lodge
8. Filling Station B – toward Main Gate
Collaborative Development & Monitoring
- A formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed in June 2025 between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), DeviceDesign Co. Ltd., LexSwitch EcoMobility Inc., and the Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative (CBSTC).
- Each partner contributes vital resources: EV units and charging infrastructure from LexSwitch/EcoMobility, technology and station markers from DeviceDesign, and operational support from CBSTC.
- During the pilot, ridership trends, commuter feedback, and operational performance will be closely monitored to inform future improvements and scalability.
Summary Table: John Hay Loop At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Shuttle Units | 3 EV units |
| Capacity per Shuttle | 22 seated + 9 standees (31 total) |
| Operating Hours | Daily, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; every 5–10 min |
| Pilot Duration | Six months |
| Charging Infrastructure | 70 kWh fast charge + 7 kWh onboard backup |
| Coverage Area | Eight stops across Camp John Hay estate |
| Project Stakeholders | BCDA, JHMC, DeviceDesign, LexSwitch, CBSTC |
| Sustainability Alignment | UN SDG 11 & 13 |
The Road Ahead: Setting a Benchmark for Sustainable Mobility
The plan is that the John Hay Loop pilot will serve tourists and locals with transportation as a replicable template for integrating green transportation within tourism-focused environments. By demonstrating operational effectiveness, environmental benefits, and stakeholder collaboration, this initiative marks a significant milestone toward future-ready, climate-resilient urban transport in the Philippines.
Let us champion cleaner, smarter journeys together.
