Smart Communications Inc. and eco-friendly transport solutions provider Global Electric Transport Philippines are boosting green shuttle service in Valenzuela City.
Smart and GET Philippines turned over eight COMET electric shuttles to the city government to offer residents a cleaner and greener option to get around.
“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,” said Melvin Consunji Nubla, first vice president and head of Go To Market and Subscriber Management at Smart.
The COMET has a fully electric motor that boasts of Formula-E technology and performance adapted for public transportation. One COMET shuttle cuts harmful carbon dioxide or CO2 emissions by around 40,000 kilograms annually.
The eco-friendly electric shuttle service can seat 20 passengers and 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.
“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,” said GET Philippines president Freddie Tinga.
Initially, COMETs will ply the Puregold Malanday-Ayala 30th route with ten stops in between. Smart subscribers enjoy free rides in 2022.
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 principals highlights the company’s support to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly UNSDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.