NOT only to ease traffic at Edsa but also to pursue physical distancing protocols to combat the virus spread are the twin targets of a new government-initiated scheme.
One is the building of bicycle lanes coupled with elevated greenways and walkways at railway stations in Balintawak, Cubao, Guadalupe and Taft Avenue. Two is the introduction of the bus rapid transit (BRT).
This was recently bared by Secretary Vivencio Dizon of the flagship structure programs and projects.
According to Inquirer’s Ben O. de Vera, Dizon told the European business chambers that both projects, spearheaded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), were gaining financing support from multilateral lenders. “Bicycle lanes are being designed now throughout Metro Manila and the greenways project through the Asian Development Bank [ADB],” said Dizon, citing the ADB’s $130-million loan budgeted to complete construction of both ventures next year.
Dizon also said the ADB and the World Bank are both supportive of the BRT systems “as these are easy to plan, implement and build” and could be done in two months.
“For the longest time,” Dizon said, “BRT projects were stagnant. But now, given what we have experienced with Covid-19, the BRT has taken center stage.”
To him, BRT lines and bike lanes will ensure observance of physical distancing to the hilt.
Despite the recession, Dizon believes partnerships between the private and Official Development Assistance (ODA) platforms from multilateral and bilateral partners can be forged hitch-free.
Good luck, Vince.
Toyota delivery system
TOYOTA Motor Philippines will now deliver your dream car right at your doorstep.
The home delivery system is TMP’s latest innovation to give customers peace of mind amid these challenging times.
Earlier, TMP launched the virtual showroom, the full digital dealership experience from checking out Toyota’s model lineup to requesting for a quotation and endorsement to a preferred dealer.
For more details on the home delivery service, check TMP’s https://toyota.com.ph/promos/restartjourney, www.toyota.com.ph, ToyotaMotorPhilippines (Facebook and Instagram), and @ToyotaMotorPH (Twitter) for more details.
Honda Covid-19 fighter
HONDA has become consistently a car ally in the fight against Covid-19, lending last week 18 cars anew to various medical facilities in Laguna and Cavite.
This is in support of the transportation needs of medical health workers in the recent reimplementation of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
Honda provided the City, Brio, Jazz, Civic, Mobilio, BR-V, HR-V, and CR-V models, to seven hospitals—New Sinai MDI Hospital and The Medical City South Luzon in Santa Rosa, Laguna; Unihealth-Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center and Perpetual Help Medical Center in Biñan, Laguna; Global Care Medical Centers in Canlubang and Cabuyao, Laguna; and Carmona Hospital and Medical Center in Carmona, Cavite. Honda also provided each car with free gasoline for the duration of the MECQ.
“Once again in our humble bid to help control Covid-19 cases in Mega Manila, Honda would like to support the hardworking medical frontliners battling the pandemic by lending our vehicles to help ease their transportation concerns during the MECQ.” said Masahiko Nakamura, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. president.
A glass to the big heart of Honda.
Lexus NX launched
THE recently launched Lexus NX crossover is in three variants: NX 300h hybrid (P3,678,000); NX 300 F Sport (P3,708,000); and NX 300 (P3,208,000).
The NX has been crafted to an extremely high level by its Takumi masters, constructed in a way that sets the benchmark in the luxury crossover segment.
Under the hood of the NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport is a powerful and fuel-efficient turbocharged direct-injection 2.0- liter inline-4. Power is rated at 235hp, with an impressive 350N-m of torque. Its twin-scroll turbocharger is a single turbo with two separate exhaust paths, ensuring air travels in a more direct feed to the turbo. Also fitted to this athletic motor is an air-to-liquid intercooler which maintains a low intake temperature and helps combat power-robbing heat.
On the NX 300h hybrid is a 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with a pair of electric motors. The NX 300h offers 194 bhp supplemented by electric motors that result in instant torque and acceleration.
The Drive Mode Select also allows you to choose up to five different modes, namely Normal, Eco, Sport, Sport +, and Custom Mode, which lets you decide on the powertrain, Adaptive Variable Suspension, power steering, and air-conditioning settings of the NX.
“In a Lexus NX,” said Lexus Manila President Raymond T. Rodriguez, “you won’t have second thoughts. Put the gearshift in Drive gear and next go where your heart desires. This is a crossover that was built with only the highest standards.”
No surprise there. As luxury hybrid sales leader, Lexus, launched in 1989, has since sold over 1.5 million hybrid vehicles.
PEE STOP Prayers, please, for the speedy recovery of Visor’s Vernon B. Sarne, who made Top Gear Philippines the nation’s No. 1 motoring magazine when he was still editing it. Vernon is battling an aneurysm attack, needing your faith to help storm the gates of heaven.
