Aboitiz Group extends support to BEST Bus project in Manila
Commuters of the country’s capital Manila will soon be enjoying free and environmentally-friendly public transportation, thanks to the BEST Bus, an electric bus project of which the Aboitiz Group is an electric vehicle (EV) advocate-partner together with EV firm GET Philippines.
BEST stands for Business for Environmentally Sustainable Transformation, which is an initiative advocating to “be green, be digital, and be kind” for the betterment of the community.
In significantly reducing harmful emissions, maximizing available new technologies, and encouraging inclusive benefits for all, the BEST Bus project aims to leave a lasting impact on the environmental sustainability of the city and the country as well.
A row of BEST Bus units in Manila. The first batch of BEST Buses will be deployed to routes that will transport Manila’s essential workers from home to work. Each unit can safely accommodate 15 physically-distanced passengers (from an original 30 passengers). By June, 50 BEST Buses will be plying Manila’s streets. (Photo courtesy of GET Philippines)
Fifty (50) BEST Bus units will be deployed in batches of five and 10 units for free to the public for the first 3 months. The routes will be from Manila to Pasay City in the South and to Quezon City.
“Ito ay makakapagbigay ng malaking tulong bilang pampublikong sasakyan na episyente at nakatutulong pangalagaan ang ating kapaligiran – sa paggamit ng makabagong teknolohiya sa public transport (This will greatly help as an efficient and environmentally-friendly public utility vehicle that harnesses modern technology for public transportation),” said Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.
The first batch of BEST buses will be deployed to routes that will transport Manila’s essential workers from home to work. Since these are shuttle services, Manila LGU has the flexibility to address the riding public’s specific needs.
Each unit can safely accommodate 15 physically-distanced passengers (from an original 30 passengers).
“We in Aboitiz know that thriving in the new normal requires a deep sense of commitment to sustainability and development. We are honored to support this worthy initiative that will enable Manilenos to access their work areas in a safe, innovative, and environmentally-friendly way,” said Sabin M. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer.
The BEST Bus features include air-conditioning, Internet access for passengers, electric ramp and wheelchair slot for persons with disabilities, onboard video display, and closed-circuit television. An onboard computer runs a GETPASS system for cashless/contactless fare collection and contact tracing, for the riding public’s safety.
GET Philippines will be assisting in driver training and orientation. It will also oversee the BEST Buses’ daily operations and route management through its fleet management systems.
The BEST Buses run on fast-charging lithium-ion batteries that are charged via two chargers: long and fast. Each bus is deployed with a full charge and range of 100 kilometers (km). The buses can charge at fast chargers situated at strategically-located terminals. Fifteen (15) minutes on a fast charger will enable the buses to run for 80 to 100 km more.
Meanwhile, Manila LGU will be in charge of the BEST Buses’ electricity, driver salaries, and route planning, among others.
“We are excited for this opportunity to work with Mayor Isko Moreno, as well as the team at the Aboitiz Group, to bring the COMETs (the BEST Bus unit’s automotive make) to Manila as the clean and smart transport solution that its citizens and workers need,” said Sigfrido R. Tiñga, GET Philippines President.
A fleet of BEST Bus units is expected to serve 150,000 commuters annually and approximately reduce 40,000 kilograms (kg) of carbon dioxide (CO2), 30,000 liters of diesel, and 65,000 kg of particulate matter per year.
Last December 2020, in partnership with the Davao City LGU, the Aboitiz Group with AboitizPower unit Davao Light and Power Co., Inc., GET Philippines, and QEV Technologies in Spain launched the BEST Bus project ー Mindanao’s first fully electric, free-ride shuttle service. Seven (7) BEST Buses were deployed in Davao City with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio leading the launch
