Light Rail Manila Corp. teamed up with Global Electric Transport Philippines to provide shuttle service to Light Rail Transit Line 1 passengers.
GET under the strategic partnership will bring in its extensive experience in the operation of an integrated passenger and fleet management system for the shuttle service to benefit LRT-1 passengers.
The shuttle service will feature the Community Optimized Managed Electric Transport minibuses.
COMET electric minibuses are air-conditioned, fully electric and zero-emission, with a capacity of 30 passengers and travel range of over 100 kilometers on a single full charge.
They are also equipped with on-board cameras, media system, display monitors, Internet connectivity, as well as wheelchair slot and retractable electric ramp for Persons with Disabilities.
“We are excited to be partnering with LRMC to be able to provide green and affordable transport solutions to every Filipino,” GET Worldwide chairman Tony Olaes said.
For the pilot implementation, the shuttle service will be between LRT-1 EDSA Station and the Manila Bay ASEANA area with designated loading and unloading points along Macapagal Boulevard until Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.
For the second phase, the route will extend from LRT-1 EDSA Station to the Makati Central Business District.
“At LRMC, we are always on the lookout on how we can better serve our passengers and make their commute more convenient. LRT-1 passengers will also get to enjoy the first end-to-end emissions-free transport system in the Philippines as both LRT-1 and COMET help in reducing carbon footprint. LRMC has made a commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions, and part of this is adopting the use of digital management systems and promoting zero-emission transport solutions,” LRMC president and chief executive Juan Alfonso said.
“Our partnership with GET aligns well with LRMC’s sustainability initiatives, and is anchored on UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 [Sustainable Cities and Communities] and Goal 13 [Climate Action],” he said.
LRT-1 passengers can experience more seamless, comfortable and convenient transport feeder service to and from select LRT-1 stations by signing up to become members of the LRT-1 Riders Club on the GETPASS app available for download from Google Play and App Store.
COMET electric buses operate from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday excluding holidays.