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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider Smart boosts green transport in Valenzuela

Smart boosts green transport in Valenzuela

Published Jan 10, 2022 09:37 am

Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian, third from right, together with Smart and GET Philippines representatives, tests the COMET electric shuttle.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and eco-friendly transport solutions provider Global Electric Transport (GET) Philippines are boosting green shuttle service in the city of Valenzuela.

Smart and GET Philippines have turned over eight COMET electric shuttles to the Valenzuela City local government offering 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, FVP and Head of Go To Market and Subscriber Management at Smart.

Valenzuela Comet

The COMET has a fully electric motor that boasts of Formula-E technology and performance adapted for public transportation. And because it doesn’t run on fossil fuel, one Comet cuts harmful carbon dioxide or CO2 emissions by around 40,000 kilograms annually.

“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 Freddie Tinga, President of GET Philippines.

The eco-friendly electric shuttle service can comfortably seat 20 passengers and can 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.

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 (ESG) principals highlights the company’s support to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly UNSDG No. 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

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