PLDT launches SmartBus solution

MANILA, Philippines - PLDT Inc. yesterday rolled out transport solutions which aim to allow buses to enhance their operations and provide passengers a better travel experience.

The offering called SmartBus project is intended to enable bus operators to comply with the  Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board circular that requires putting global positioning system monitoring devices in vehicles to help track movements as well as promote commuter safety and convenience.

“Our SmartBus Solution Suite offers innovative products that help solve bus operators’ day-to-day issues from security to keeping their buses in check, while passengers also get to enjoy their trip with the connectivity on-board,” Mitch Locsin, PLDT vice president and head of PLDT SME Nation said.

The SmartBus project currently provides five solutions to bus operators such as Smart Biz LTE, Smart Tracker, Smart Cam, Smart Fleet and Smart e-Ticketing.

By availing of Smart Biz LTE which is a WiFi service, bus operators could provide internet connectivity to passengers. The service could connect up to 45 devices at the same time and deliver non-stop LTE speeds for P1,899 per month.

Smart Tracker, meanwhile, allows bus companies to track vehicles and obtain other information such as fuel consumption, emergency situations, as well as if the driver is overspeeding or idle.

Through Smart Cam, bus operators could view and monitor the situation inside the buses to ensure security of passengers. Such could also help prevent gas pilferage when the device is installed near the fuel source.

As for the cloud-based solution Smart Fleet, its purpose is to help bus companies perform vehicle management operations such as maintenance, dispatching, keeping driver data and coming up with reports.

With the Smart e-Ticketing system, bus owners can monitor admissions and track real-time sales.

Omni Larrosa, product head for business solutions at PLDT SME Nation said bus operators have the option to avail of all or just select solutions to suit their needs.

She said availing of all the five solutions would require an investment of P3,500 per bus on a monthly basis.

While some bus companies such as Green Frog Hybrid Bus Co., UBE Express, Victory Liner, Genesis and ES Transport have availed of some of the solutions, she said PLDT’s goal is to get all 33,000 buses in the country as clients.

PLDT is the country’s leading telco and digital services provider.

The group caters to the telco and digital needs of enterprises through its business unit PLDT SME Nation.