Lexmark rolls out e-buses for employee transpo

CEBU, Philippines —  Multinational firm Lexmark Research and Development Corporation (Lexmark Cebu) rolls out electric buses to transport company employees.

Lexmark Cebu is the first company in Cebu to partner with Global Electric Transport (GET) Philippines for using Comet, an emissions-free transport system.

“This journey started in October last year [2021] when Lexmark started the phased return to office. The biggest challenge for the employees then and even now was on daily commute. The availability of a safe, convenient way to travel for the employees was the main driver for Lexmark to look for an alternative mode of transportation. GET Philippines is providing the service we were looking for using an emissions-free transport system which aligns with Lexmark’s sustainability goals, as well as requiring only a minimal investment from the company,” said Lexmark Cebu senior manager Wowie Pesodas.

The Comet, which stands for Community Optimized Managed Electric Transport, is 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.

The Comet has a 30-passenger capacity, is air-conditioned, and is accessible for people with disabilities. GET’s Comet will be operational starting May 2, offering a week of free ride for Lexmark employees, said Pesodas.

The ceremonial unveiling of the Lexmark-GET partnership held last week was graced by DENR-EMB 7 Regional Director Maribel B. Munsayac.

“This Comet initiative is in line with Lexmark’s commitment to being carbon neutral by 2035,” added Pesodas explaining that achieving carbon neutrality means “our carbon dioxide equivalent output will have a net neutral impact on the environment.”

“We began tracking and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in 2005 and have made great progress across various aspects of our business, from manufacturing to facilities to travel and more. Since 2015, we’ve reduced our greenhouse gas emissions (our carbon footprint) by 34 percent” he noted.

Meanwhile, Freddie Tinga, President, GET Philippines, expects that more organizations in Cebu will follow Lexmark’s lead, participating the crusade to a better and more sustainable Philippines.

Lexmark Cebu is one of Lexmark’s multimillion-dollar facilities invested in Cebu, Philippines. It is the base of Lexmark research and development and global business services operations in the Asia Pacific region.

Lexmark is a global imaging solutions leader. It sells its products and services in more than 170 countries and is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky.