Environment-friendly hybrid buses now ply SM-MOA

MANILA, Philippines - Traveling to the sprawling lifestyle and entertainment hub SM Mall of Asia (SM MOA) in Pasay City has been made safer, comfortable and more environment-friendly with the launch Friday of the “Green Frog” low emission hybrid buses from Green Frog Zero Emissions Transport.

SM executives, officials of the City of Pasay, and other VIPs from the business and lifestyle sectors witnessed the launching of the “Green Frog” buses at the SM MOA’s Globe Rotonda which is now part of its route that also includes the Makati Central Business District.

Shoppers and travellers coming from the Makati, C5 and Taguig area can now travel comfortably to SM MOA at reasonable bus rates. The route is divided into three zones, and passengers pay as low as P10 for Zone 1 (MOA to LRT), P20 for Zone 2 (LRT to C5-Buting) or P30, which covers Zones 1 and 2 or from MOA to C5-Buting.

The unveiling comes amid threats of air pollution to the respiratory health of many Filipinos in Metro Manila, where 80 percent of emissions come from inefficient public transport, made up mainly of jeepneys, multicabs, tricycles and buses. By using the energy-efficient “Green Frog” buses, which run simultaneously on electricity and diesel, this means reduced noise and 90 percent less particulate emissions (the black stuff coming out of the tailpipe).

“We have long thought of providing an environment-friendly, comfortable, safe and reliable transport system within the complex, and the presence of Green Frog buses is the answer to that. Now, there are more reasons for people to head to the SM MOA and enjoy its amenities while appreciating the convenience of energy-efficient, world-class and reliable buses,” says Dave Rafael, Senior vice president of SM Prime Commercial Properties group.