Global Electric Transport
Transport

Manila rolls out modern eco-friendly mini-buses

Mar 8, 2021, 6:54 AM
Heloise Diamante

Heloise Diamante

Writer

The new minibuses are fitted with automatic payment systems and are compliant with IATF protocols, according to the Manila City LGU.

One of the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) is that public utility buses could allow passengers to sit beside each other as long as there is a plastic barrier between them.

COMMUTERS in Manila are in for better riding experience as the city rolled out today new fully-electric mini buses as part of its initiative to protect the environment and support the government’s public transportation modernization program.

Manila Mayor 'Isko' Moreno who attended the launching and Global Electric Transport (GET) Philippines head Freddie Tinga which owns the mini-buses COMET, tested and rode the new fleet of electric vehicles that will soon ply the streets of Manila.

The vehicles feature QR payment system and are already retrofitted with acrylic barriers as part of COVID-19 precautions.

One of the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) is that public utility buses could allow passengers to sit beside each other as long as there is a plastic barrier between them.

LTFRB MC 2020-026 also orders commuters to pay first before boarding using a contactless fare collection system.

The mini-buses also have CCTV and dashboard cameras, GPS tracker, and an auto slot machine for exact cash payments.

The data gathered will be stored in the GET main office while the Manila LGU will be given access.

Each mini-bus is also equipped with 2 LCD screens where passengers can watch announcements from the city hall. During their test drive, Tinga shares that a unit can run for 16 hours when fully charged.

The mayor suggested a feature in which passengers can anticipate through a mobile app when the bus is expected to arrive.

"This is only the start of our electric public transport," says Tinga.
"We're calling it the Best Bus Program," citing that they will be catering to the needs of the senior citizens, PWDs, and city hall employees.

The launch was held at the Hidden Garden in Lawton which used to be a dump site before being converted into a safe open-air park of pocket gardens, walking spaces, and the new Hidden Garden Cafe.

According to Tinga, the buses will conduct a test run this week and by March 15, the buses are expected to start accepting passengers. (HD)


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