LTFRB: First 10 hybrid buses in PH to operate Bataan-Parañaque route
Two of the first 10 hybrid buses that will operate in the country. (photo: Genesis Transport Service Inc. Facebook page)
At least 10 hybrid passenger buses will soon be seen on the road in what the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) described as another big leap towards environment-friendly modernization of public transportation in the country.
Aside from savings in operation and maintenance cost, LTFRB Chairperson Vigor D. Mendoza II said hybrid passenger buses have big positive impacts on the aspect of environment care and protection.
Citing experts computation, the one-kilowatt consumption of the hybrid passenger bus is equivalent to one liter of diesel. The cost of 1 kilowatt ranges from P11 to P13.50 while the current cost of diesel is more than P50 per liter.
“So imagine the savings in operational costs, not to mention the low maintenance cost,” said Mendoza.
The LTFRB is one of the key players in the Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP) implementation across the country.
“Currently, all eyes are on modern jeepneys when it comes to the discussion of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) and with the introduction of hybrid passenger buses in the country, this is really a very welcome development in our effort to modernize and improve our public transportation system,” said Mendoza.
“With the launching of these hybrid buses, I could not help but say ‘sana all’. This is really a big boost to our goal of having a modern but environment-friendly public transportation,” he added.
Mendoza was with Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III during the launching on Thursday, February 12, in Balanga City.
It was the Genesis Transport, Inc. which brought in 10 units of hybrid passenger buses. They will serve commuters from Balanga City in Bataan to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and vice versa.
The one-kilowatt consumption of the hybrid passenger bus is equivalent to one liter of diesel.
“We, in the DOTr and LTFRB, are really excited about this because we believe that the introduction of hybrid passenger buses will be a gamechanger in the bus transport business in the country,” said Mendoza.
He also expressed confidence that more bus companies will follow and invest in electric passenger buses.