Manila Welcomes Locally Engineered Electric “Tram” to the Walled City

The office of The Manila Times, where my “day job” is located, is within the historic walled city of Intramuros where the original tranvias (streetcars) operated during the late Spanish era (starting in 1886). They eventually evolved with the American electric tram system, but that was decimated during World War II.

Thus, it is both nostalgic and historic that a modern version of the streetcar was launched by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Intramuros administration.

Made available for public use since March 19, the Filipino-designed electric transport vehicle is intended to modernize tourism while honoring the historical aesthetic of the nation’s capital.

A collaborative effort between the government and academic institutions produced the 18-seat, low-speed vehicle. The DOST-National Capital Region and the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) provided oversight, while technical execution was shared by the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and Cagayan State University (CSU).

This joint venture highlights a shift toward domestic engineering as a means to address urban mobility challenges.

Intramuros Administrator Joan M. Padilla emphasized the value of these cross-sector relationships. “This collaboration reflects the strength of partnerships between the government and the academe in delivering practical and people-centered solutions. May this continue to inspire similar efforts to promote greener mobility, smarter tourism systems, and a more sustainable future for our cities,” Padilla said.

The vehicle pays homage to the late 19th-century trams that once traversed the Walled City. While the exterior maintains a vintage appearance to suit the colonial architecture, the materials and internals are modern. CSU managed the mechanical assembly, including the frame and suspension. Notably, the body and roof panels utilize a composite material derived from abaca fiber, a local innovation from the ITDI.

The new tranvia

UP Diliman engineers oversaw the integration of the powertrain. The system replaces traditional diesel engines with a lithium-ion battery pack and a dedicated electric motor. The project also included the development of the necessary charging infrastructure to ensure the e-tranvia remains operational without relying on fossil fuels.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. positioned the project as a strategic move against fluctuating fuel costs and energy insecurity. He suggested that localizing the production of electric vehicles makes high-tech transport more attainable for the general public.

“Developing it ensures that electric mobility becomes practical, reliable, and accessible for all Filipinos,” Solidum stated.

The Secretary further advocated for a national expansion of e-mobility research. He noted that creating more charging stations and strengthening ties with higher education institutions will be vital for scaling these technologies across the archipelago.

Currently, a single unit is operating within Intramuros, but the fleet is expected to grow. CSU President Arthur G. Ibañez confirmed that three additional units are in the works for Intramuros, two units are headed to South Cotabato, another two to Cagayan, and one is slated for use at Malacañang Palace.

Economic viability remains a focus for the program. With a base material cost of 2.5 million pesos per unit, DOST-NCR Regional Director Romelen T. Tresvalles indicated that the department is seeking private sector investors. These partnerships are essential for transitioning from prototype assembly to industrial-scale manufacturing.

“By reimagining a symbol of our history through Philippine engineering and sustainable technology, we are breathing new life into the walled city, making it more accessible, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of the future,” Tresvalles said.

The e-tranvia is currently offering free tours to the public. The route covers significant landmarks, including Fort Santiago, the Museo de Intramuros, and Baluarte de San Diego. It also services the various schools located within the district and the Pasig Esplanade, providing a zero-emission alternative for students and visitors alike.

The old tranvias

The Spanish built a steam-powered street car network around 1875 which was replaced by an electric tram system when America took over the Philippines. It was a marvel of its time, far more extensive than many people realize today. At its peak, the system operated 12 distinct lines that radiated from the city center, covering over 100 kilometers of track. The heart of the system was Plaza Goiti (now Plaza Lacson) and Escolta, where multiple lines converged. From this central hub, the streetcars stretched out to both the wealthy “arrabales” (suburbs) and the industrial districts.

The trams were built by the J.G. Brill Company of Philadelphia, the company that also built whole cars or rolling chassis for the San Francisco street car network. When the then Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company (Meralco) launched its electric fleet in 1905, it relied exclusively on these American-built cars, which were considered the gold standard for urban mobility.

To meet the specific demands of the tropics, Manila’s fleet featured the “Type 2 Convertible” model, a custom design engineered for the Philippine climate. These versatile vehicles utilized retractable side panels that could be opened to provide ventilation during the sweltering dry season or sealed tightly to shield passengers from monsoon rains. This blend of American engineering and localized adaptation ensured that the tranvia remained a practical and resilient fixture of Manila’s colonial-era infrastructure.