The Aboitiz Group, in partnership with the city government of Davao, GET Philippines, and QEV Technologies of Spain launched over the weekend the BEST Bus project”•the first fully electric, free-ride shuttle service in Mindanao.
Aboitiz Power Corp. unit Davao Light and Power Co. is also part of the BEST Bus project, where Davao is among the first pilot cities in the country.
BEST stands for Business for Environmentally Sustainable Transformation and is an initiative advocating to “be green, be digital, and be kind” for the betterment of the community.
The BEST Bus project aims to leave a lasting impact on the environmental sustainability of the city and the country as it significantly reduces harmful emissions, maximizes available new technologies and encourages inclusive benefits for all.
Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer Sabin Aboitiz said the organization is proud to be a part of an initiative that marries technology and good governance to create a platform that improves quality of life for all.
“We also thank GET Philippines and QEV Technologies Spain for being our partners in this public-private endeavor. BEST Bus serves as our contribution to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals by providing innovative solutions for a cleaner, safer, and kinder world,” Aboitiz said.
He said Aboitiz has a long history with Davao City, starting with the city’s 9-1-1 system that used Davao Light’s electric posts as one of the means to get the system running.
The group also manages Cleanergy Park”•an icon of biodiversity in the city and operates Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. which builds an alternative water source for the city’s future water needs.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte expressed gratitude to Davao Light and GET Philippines for supporting the city’s various initiatives over the years.
“You have provided invaluable assistance in the areas of health, the economy, the environment, and now, in the field of transportation,” she said.
Duterte said the project was aligned with the city’s efforts to provide efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation options for the riding public.
“These buses marry modern convenience, functionality and environmental sustainability and will be a treat for Dabawenyos this Christmas season”•for not only are they fully electric and zero-emission buses, but they are also equipped with internet connectivity, and ramps and wheelchair slots for persons with disabilities,” she said.
Seven new fully air-conditioned electric buses feature an electric ramp and reserved space for PWDs. Each of the buses, which will be operating from the Davao Light office in Ponciano, Davao City, has a maximum capacity of 30 persons.
Only half of this capacity will be allowed during the initial operations in observance of the social distancing protocols.
Davao Light president and chief operating officer Rodger Velasco said the 100-percent fully-electric feature of the bus means no harmful emissions, only sustainable impact on the environment.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, Davao Light together with the rest of the Aboitiz Group, our partners especially GET Philippines look at ways to support our beloved Davao City while ensuring that the environment is not harmed,” he said.
Available to the public, the BEST Bus will operate daily on two downtown routes, through the major city centers, with bus stops every 400 meters along the way.
The BEST Bus rides may be accessed by the public for free via the BEST Pass on the GET Pass app, which is available for free download on Google Play and Apple App stores. QR Codes for the app are available on the BEST Bus and BEST Bus stops.