E-trikes to be deployed in Makati by March 2016

Mara Cepeda

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E-trikes to be deployed in Makati by March 2016
At P160 per day for 3 years, the drivers will be able to own the e-trikes from the Japanese-run Global Mobility Service

MANILA, Philippines – Makati city residents will see more environmentally friendly tricycles plying its roads. The city government has partnered with a Japanese company to deploy around 200 electric tricycles in the city.

Global Mobility Service (GMS) Philippines Incorporated vice president Kazumasa Nakashima told Rappler via phone call on Tuesday, October 6, that his company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Makati city government and the city’s Tricycle Operator Driver Associations (TODA).

According to Nakashima, the 3 parties agreed to introduce 4-stroke tricycles and electric tricycles that would use GMS’ Mobility Cloud-Connection System (MCCS). (READ: 11 things you may not know about electric vehicles)

The said technology, equipped with a global positioning system, allows GMS to control each eco-friendly vehicle’s activation, anti-theft, and insurance capabilities.

“We can also get the vehicle info [on its] speed [and the] total driving distance,” said Nakashima, adding that the technology would allow GMS and the city government to monitor the speed and tracking information of each tricycle.

This means that when an e-trike is monitored to have been moving past the speed limit or if the driver or operator fails to pay the monthly fee to use the vehicle, GMS will be able to turn off the e-trike’s engine until the problem has been resolved.

GMS is also coordinating with Phil Etro EV Incorporated and Kawasaki to supply 200 eco-friendly tricycles in Makati by March 2016.

The e-trikes – set to replace several of the smoke-belching, two-stroke gas-powered motorcycles currently being used in the city – will be deployed along the Makati TODA’s routes.

The said MOU is part of Makati’s efforts to continue the implementation of Republic Act 8749 or the “Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.” The city has long supported the law, with the introduction of the electric jeepney in the Makati’s green routes in in the Salcedo and Legazpi villages in 2007.

Acting Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña welcomed the move, saying that the partnership will strengthen the city’s efforts to uphold the Clean Air Act.

So s’yempre makakabawas ng pollution sa paligid tapos syempre makakatipid ‘yung mga nagto-TODA,” Peña said in a phone interview with Rappler. (This will surely lessen pollution and those part of the TODA will be able to save money.)  

Operate-to-own

NEW PARTNERSHIP. GMS president Tokushi Nakashima (middle) pose with Makati TODA president Alberto Galisim (left) and members of the city TODA on October 5. Photo from Kazumasa Nakashima

The MOU for the e-trikes was signed by GMS president Tokushi Nakashima, Makati Public Safety Department officer in charge Elmer Cabrera, and Makati TODA president Alberto Galisim on Monday, October 5.

According to the document, GMS will assist tricycle drivers and operators to avail of vehicle financing or leasing services and to operate the e-trikes at a “very affordable” monthly fee.

GMS is expected to provide the necessary procedures for the e-trike drivers and operators to own the vehicle after operating it for 3 years.  

Sa halagang P160 kada araw lang po ang kanilang iaambag para mapasakanila ang e-trike sa loob ng 3 taon. Wala po itong downpayment at ang kailangan lang po nilang gawin ay magregister,” said Peña.

(At P160 per day, they would be able to own the e-trikes in 3 years. There is no downpayment and they only need to register.)

Malaking tulong din po ang MCCS sa paglilimita sa speed limit ng mga e-tricycle hanggang 40 km/hr (The MCCS would also be a big help in limiting the speed of the e-tricycles at 40 km/hr),” he added.

The Makati city government, in turn, should assist TODAmembers in the issuance of proper franchises, permits, and other documents needed to legally operate the e-trikes within the city limits.

The city government should also help GMS by endorsing only drivers and operators who are “in good standing” and are willing to pay the monthly fee for the e-trikes.

 “Winowork out namin [sa ngayon] ‘yung kung paano sila matutulungan para matangkilik ‘yung kanilang inooffer,” said Peña. (We are currently working out how we can help them so the people will patronize what they are offering.)

He added that they are currently ironing out the details on how to implement the MOU with the departments concerned in city hall. – Rappler.com

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Mara Cepeda

Mara Cepeda specializes in stories about politics and local governance. She covers the Office of the Vice President, the Senate, and the Philippine opposition. She is a 2021 fellow of the Asia Journalism Fellowship and the Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship of the UN. Got tips? Email her at mara.cepeda@rappler.com or tweet @maracepeda.