Smart partners with GET for rollout of electric buses

MANILA, Philippines — Smart Communications Inc. has partnered with eco-friendly transport solutions provider Global Electric Transport (GET) Philippines to roll out electric buses in local government units (LGUs).

Smart and GET Philippines have turned over eight Comet electric shuttles to the Valenzuela City local government to provide residents a cleaner and greener option to get around.

This follows the Comet prototype launched in the city on Nov. 15, 2018, during the city’s celebration of its 395th Foundation Day.

The Comet has a fully electric motor that boasts of Formula-E technology and performance adapted for public transportation. And because it doesn’t run on fossil fuel, one Comet cuts harmful carbon dioxide or CO2 emissions by around 40,000 kilograms annually.

“A year of operating the Comet is equivalent to 700 trees. It’s also an economical alternative because the cost per kilometer is less than half compared to that of diesel-powered public utility vehicles,” GET Philippines president Freddie Tinga said.

The eco-friendly electric shuttle service can comfortably seat 20 passengers and can accommodate 10 more standing commuters. It can travel over a hundred kilometers on a full battery and only needs half an hour to fully recharge.

Initially, Comets will ply the Puregold Malanday-Ayala 30th in Pasig City route with 10 stops in between. Smart subscribers enjoy free rides this year.

“This is another example of us providing added values that are relevant to our customers and help build resilient communities. Other than providing free transportation to existing Smart subscribers, this allows us to further take care of our environment as we live smarter for a better world,” Smart FVP and head of go-to market and subscriber management Melvin Consunji Nubla said.

The Valenzuela City LGU said the number of shuttles is expected to increase as the local government deploys the new transport player available for the public.

To ride the electric shuttle service, commuters need to download the GETPASS app from Google Play Store or the App Store, register and join to become a member of the Smart GIGA Organization.

Smart’s commitment to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principals highlights the company’s support to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly UNSDG No. 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.