manilatimes32d ago
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will deploy 10 fully electric “Love Bus” units offering free rides along the C5 Corridor starting in the last week of April or the first week of May, under a new partnership with Global Electric Transport Philippines.MMDA Chairman Don Artes said Tuesday, March 3, that the 30-passenger buses will run between Robinsons Galleria and Eastwood City, covering major commercial hubs, such as Estancia Mall, Arcovia, Tiendesitas, and the MMDA head office in Pasig, with operations set from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. daily depending on passenger demand.The memorandum of agreement was signed at the MMDA head office in Pasig City with GET Philippines President Sigfrido Tinga, formalizing the roles of both parties in implementing the Electric Love Bus Program.Under the agreement, the MMDA will oversee route management, enforcement support, infrastructure assistance, and alignment with public service goals, and GET Philippines will handle the operations and maintenance of the electric buses.Artes said the initiative is expected to ease commuting costs and reduce pollution along key routes, particularly in high-traffic business districts along the C5 Corridor.“Through this partnership, we are introducing fully electric buses that are cleaner, quieter and more modern. These buses will help reduce pollution, ease congestion along key routes, and provide a more comfortable riding experience for passengers,” Artes said.He added that with corporate sponsors’ support, the agency will be able to sustain and further expand its free public transportation services in the National Capital Region.Corporate partners backing the program include Robinsons Land Corp., Megaworld Corp., Ortigas Land, and International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist Inc.For his part, Tinga said the program aims to make public transport more palatable, enjoyable, safe and environmentally friendly for commuters, with the MMDA ensuring that the Love Bus operations are properly supported and implemented.Robinsons Land Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Mybelle Aragon-Gobio expressed gratitude for the collaboration, saying that mobility and urban development must move forward together, especially along the C5 Corridor linking Robinsons Galleria, Bridgetowne, and nearby business districts.The routes approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will cover eastbound trips from Robinsons Galleria to Eastwood City via Estancia Mall, MMDA, Arcovia, and Opus Mall, and westbound trips from Eastwood City back to Robinsons Galleria via key C5 stops, including Green Meadows, Tiendesitas, and Julia Vargas.The MMDA chief said each of the 10 buses is expected to complete an average of five to six trips per day, with possible expansion of the Love Bus program to other local government units in Metro Manila once operations along the C5 Corridor are stabilized.
