Residents of Tabontabon, a municipality in Leyte thought of a “green solution” for their transport problems. They crafted bamboo cars.
The cars or “bamboo taxis” were commissioned by Tabontabon Mayor Dr. Rustico Balderian, reportedly to address the municipality’s need for an alternative mode of transportation to the oft-used but accident-prone “habal-habal” or motorcycle.
The bamboo taxis, assembled by local out-of-school youth, are equipped with a 2-cylinder engine that runs on coconut biofuel, a gallon of which can make the cars run for about 8 hours.
The vehicles are made with 90% bamboo, a strong but flexible grass.
The entire vehicle, apart from dashboard components and mechanical parts, are covered with colorfully designed “banig” or handwoven rattan mats.
Various reports state that there are 2 bamboo vehicles called Eco 1 and Eco 2. They vary only in seating capacity. Design Eco 1 can seat 20 people; Design Eco 2 can accommodate 8.
According to an Inquirer report, neighboring mayors have already expressed interest in having bamboo taxis in their own towns. The report said Balderian is also considering mass-producing the novel car.
The report also said that the car’s body is laminated with polyurethane, commonly used in foam, to make it fire-resistant.
The bamboo taxi idea has been received with enthusiasm all over the world.
With reports from abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/17/2009
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