JOHN HAY LOOP: Catch a Free Shuttle Ride in Baguio
Thousands of visitors, residents, and workers at Camp John Hay can now enjoy a free, eco-friendly ride with the launch of the new John Hay Loop.
This six-month pilot shuttle service uses electric vehicles (EVs) and is a joint initiative of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), its subsidiary John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), and private partners DeviceDesign Co. Ltd., LexSwitch, and the Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative.
The project aims to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable transportation in one of Baguio’s most popular destinations. The service is set to benefit the nearly four thousand people who live and work in the area, as well as the increasing number of eco-conscious tourists visiting the city.
Three EV units are now operating, each capable of accommodating 22 seated and nine standing passengers. They serve eight designated stations throughout 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
Each unit is powered by a 70-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery with fast-charging capability, allowing it to fully recharge in just 90 minutes. A 7kWh onboard slow charger is also available as a backup.
According to BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, “The John Hay Loop moves us toward a cleaner, faster, and more connected Baguio. Through this collaboration with the private sector and the international community, we are building a sustainable transport model that will benefit residents, workers, and tourists for years to come.”
The partnership was formalized in June 2025 when BCDA and JHMC signed a memorandum of understanding with DeviceDesign, LexSwitch, and the Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative. LexBuild Group and LexSWITCH EcoMobility Inc. provide the EV units and charging stations, while DeviceDesign supplies the station signages and tracking technology.
DeviceDesign and the Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative will evaluate the pilot service by monitoring passenger experience, ridership levels, and overall system operations. They will then provide recommendations for the long-term implementation of the John Hay Loop.
This initiative underscores BCDA’s commitment to making destinations more accessible while protecting the environment. By integrating clean transportation solutions in Camp John Hay, BCDA aims to promote a greener future for Baguio and set a national benchmark for sustainable mobility in tourism areas. The John Hay Loop aligns with the BCDA’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action.
