THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has welcomed the entry of hybrid passenger buses, describing the move as a major step in the modernization of public transportation in the Philippines.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the rollout of the new fleet aligns with the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), which seeks to upgrade public utility vehicles while reducing carbon emissions and operating costs.
Genesis Transport, Inc. has introduced 10 units of its hybrid buses plying the Balanga City, Bataan-Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) route.
“Discussions usually focus on modern jeepneys under the PTMP, but the introduction of hybrid passenger buses is a very welcome development in our efforts to modernize and improve the public transport system,” Mendoza said.
He added that new buses could reduce fuel costs because a kilowatt of electricity — equivalent to a liter of diesel — costs between P11 and P13.50, while a liter of diesel costs more than P50.
“So imagine the savings in operational costs, not to mention the low maintenance cost,” Mendoza said, adding that the shift could encourage more transport operators to invest in hybrid or electric fleets.
The LTFRB, a key implementing agency of the PTMP, said priorities include route rationalization and the gradual shift to modern and electric vehicles. Mendoza expressed confidence that the entry of hybrid buses would be a “game-changer” for the bus transport sector and a signal for more companies to follow suit.
