ILOILO City – In a significant stride toward a more sustainable and environment-friendly Iloilo City, MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) is pioneering an innovative zero-emission and fully electric shuttle service.
A collaboration with SM City Iloilo, the service amplifies MORE Power’s commitment to bring green technology to Iloilo aligned with Iloilo City mayor Jerry Treñas’ visionary endeavors aimed at creating a more resilient future for the Ilonggos.
The launch on Friday, Sept. 15, of the SM Iloilo Electric Bus, comprising the first of 10 units, marked a remarkable step in the city’s journey toward eco-conscious mobility. The inaugural event was attended by Mayor Treñas himself; Niel Parcon, MORE Power’s Vice President for Corporate Planning and Regulatory Affairs; and Engr. Gilbert A. Domingo, the Mall Manager of SM City Iloilo.
Parcon underlined the significance of electric bus service, stating that it represents more than just a mode of transportation; it symbolizes a new era of mobility characterized by safety, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
This milestone reflects MORE Power’s unwavering commitment to embracing green technology as a catalyst for positive change, he stressed.
The membership shuttle service offers an initial route from the city hall to the Ceres North Bound Terminal, making stops at various SM locations from Monday to Saturday.
Roel Castro, MORE Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer, envisioned the introduction of electric buses as a means to support sustainability goals and address the city’s need for more eco-friendly transport alternatives. The partnership with SM City Iloilo aligns perfectly with this vision, marking a harmonious collaboration to benefit Iloilo City.
To kick-start this eco-friendly initiative, there will be a week of complimentary rides, available until Sept. 23.
Manufactured by GET Philippines, the electric bus leaves no pollution in its wake, contributing to cleaner air, quieter streets, and an overall enhancement of urban living conditions. This forward-looking project presents a golden opportunity to foster innovation and accelerate the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions throughout the city.
Moreover, the e-bus has been designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring amenities such as ramps and designated seats to ensure accessibility and comfort for all passengers, particularly persons with disabilities.
Anticipating further growth, MORE Power expects the arrival of two more electric bus units in October, with seven additional units scheduled to follow suit by year-end. Each e-bus represents an investment of approximately P4 to P4.5 million.
This initiative not only showcases MORE Power’s commitment to supplying electricity but also underscores their dedication to fostering a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Iloilo City.
It exemplifies their role as a responsible corporate citizen invested in the city’s progress and well-being.
Mayor Treñas lauded the partnership between SM City and MORE Power as a groundbreaking project that holds significant promise for the city’s future. He emphasized that electric buses are a vital step forward in reducing the city’s carbon footprint, enhancing air quality, and mitigating noise pollution.
Additionally, they offer enhanced comfort and efficiency, contributing to reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
With the city mayor’s enthusiastic support, the inaugural e-bus ride, attended by Parcon, Domingo and other dignitaries, heralded the beginning of a transformative era. Mayor Treñas expressed his anticipation of seeing more electric buses on the city’s streets in the years to come, fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more livable environment for everyone.
Domingo reinforced the significance of this undertaking, highlighting SM’s commitment to sustainability and its partnership with Iloilo City in the pursuit of an improved quality of life for its residents. He emphasized that the SM Electric Bus initiative would elevate transportation in Iloilo City by reducing pollution, congestion, and overall enhancing the community’s well-being.
SM Supermalls initiated the SM Electric Shuttle Mini Bus in Manila, connecting six SM malls from SM Megamall in Ortigas to SM City Fairview in 2022. Additionally, CDO introduced its SM Electric Mini Bus, connecting SM CDO uptown and downtown a few months ago.
To enjoy a free ride, commuters simply need to head to designated pick-up points. To continue availing the free ride, passengers can download the GETPASS app on their phones from Sept. 25 to 30, create an account, join the organization “SM ILOILO Electric Bus”, acquire Membership Tokens (available after the free ride period ends on Oct. 1), and generate a QR code for scanning when boarding and disembarking the bus./PN
