Hybrid bus operator to add more buses to Buendia-Kalayaan route

MANILA, Philippines - Green Frog Transport Corp. is expanding its operations by increasing its number of hybrid buses plying the Buendia-Kalayaan route in Makati City.

The company brings to eight its total number of buses with the addition of six more buses, said Philip Apostol, founder and managing director of Green Frog.

He said that with the increase in hybrid buses that provide less carbon emissions, the waiting time for each bus has been significantly cut to 10 to 15 minutes from 45 minutes previously.

“There will be a bus every two kilometers and the interval will go down to approximately 10 to 15 minutes,” Apostol said.

The fare is P20 for cash payment but commuters have the option to purchase prepaid cards. The cards come with a free ride for every 10 rides purchased.

Green Frog’s air conditioned buses are spacious and are equipped with six  CCTVs to monitor all activity in the bus. There is also a GPS to transmit location and speed.

“We continually strive to increase our service levels to provide our riders with first world, environmental friendly, safe,  comfortable and reliable mass transportation,” Apostol said.

The company plans to have 38 hybrid and euro IV buses operating by end 2014 with plans to import more in 2015, Apostol said.

Eventually, the company plans to expand in other cities and is currently in negotiations with adjacent cities to open up more routes, Apostol said.

Green Frog’s hybrid system is made in the US by one of the biggest tier one suppliers in the auto industry. Their hybrid systems are used all over Europe, Latin America, China and now the Philippines, Apostol also said.