Author:
mpsoliman

John Hay Loop hits the road with free EV rides

(from left to right) BCDA Officer-in-Charge Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Mark P. Torres, DeviceDesign President Young Guk Cho, John Hay Management Corporation President and CEO Manjit Singh Reandi, Department of Tourism- Cordillera Administrative Region Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang (third from right), Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative CEO Jude Wal (second from right), LexSwitch Group CEO Charles Tan, (rightmost). BCDA photo

Thousands of visitors, residents, and workers in Camp John Hay can now enjoy free, eco-friendly rides through the new John Hay Loop, a six-month electric-vehicle (EV) shuttle service pilot launched by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), its subsidiary John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), and private partners Device Design Co. Ltd., LexSwitch, and Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative.

The initiative aims to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable transport in one of Baguio’s most popular destinations, benefiting nearly 4,000 people who live and work in the estate, as well as the city’s growing number of eco-conscious tourists.

Three EV units, each accommodating 22 seated and nine standing passengers, are now serving eight designated stations across Camp John Hay, including:

  • Main Gate Station – John Hay Trade and Cultural Center
  • Filling Station A – near Le Monet Hotel
  • Scout Hill Station A – near Camp John Hay Grounds
  • Mile Hi Station A – from Forest Lodge
  • Gate 4 Station – to South Drive and Outlook Drive
  • Sheridan Station – near John Hay Golf
  • Mile Hi Station B – going to Forest Lodge
  • Filling Station B – going to Main Gate

Powered by a 70 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery with fast charging capability, each unit can fully recharge in under 90 minutes and also comes equipped with a 7kWh onboard slow charger as a backup.

“The John Hay Loop moves us closer to a cleaner, faster, and more connected Baguio,” said BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. “Through this partnership with the private sector and international community, we are building a sustainable transport model that will benefit residents, workers, and tourists for years to come.”

In June 2025, BCDA and JHMC signed a memorandum of understanding with DeviceDesign, LexSwitch, and the Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative to roll out an integrated mobility system in Camp John Hay. LexBuild Group and LexSWITCH EcoMobility Inc. are supplying the EV units and charging stations, while DeviceDesign provides station markers and monitoring technology.

DeviceDesign and Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative will assess commuter experience, ridership levels, and operational performance, then provide recommendations for the long-term implementation of the John Hay Loop.

This initiative reflects BCDA’s commitment to making destinations more accessible while safeguarding the environment. By integrating clean transport solutions into Camp John Hay, BCDA said it aims to promote a greener future for Baguio and set a national benchmark for sustainable mobility in tourism estates.

The John Hay Loop is in line with BCDA’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action.