PLDT installs GPS devices on buses

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Long Distance Telephone co. (PLDT), through its business units PLDT SME Nation and Smart Enterprise, is enabling the pilot run of public utility bus operators to install global positioning system (GPS) monitoring devices in their units to help track and regulate vehicle activities and promote commuter safety.

As part of the pilot program being promoted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), PLDT has partnered with G Liner bus franchise owner De Guia Enterprises Inc. to have their buses installed with GPS monitoring devices.

Under the partnership, G Liner buses will be fitted with PLDT SME Nation’s Track & Trace, a GPS-enabled field asset tracking solution, to help monitor the bus units’ speed on the road, track units operating on their proper routes, enable operators to respond quickly of units that breakdown, and help locate their buses if it goes missing.

The device, which works 24/7, provides online access to maps, color-coded grouping of people and location, alerts and alarms if their vehicle exceeds parameters set for geo-fencing, as well as real-time log reports back to its operators.

 “G Liner strives to provide the public with a safe and affordable means of transportation.  By using the latest technologies from Smart we are able to monitor our buses to ensure the safety of our passengers. At the same time, operations is also improved,” said G Liner project manager Ryan Groves.

G Liner bus passengers can also connect freely to the buses’ Wifi connectivity through PLDT’s WiFun.

 “By providing access to the Internet, passengers can be more productive and their commute will be a little more enjoyable. Hopefully initiatives like our partnership with Smart will help convince the public to take public transportation and be part of the solution to Metro Manila traffic,” he said.

G Liner has a fleet of over a hundred aircon buses that ply between Taytay-Quiapo and Cainta-Quiapo. The company also operates four bus terminals, one in Taytay, Rizal, two in Cainta, Rizal and one in Quiapo.

According to the LTFRB draft circular based on a UP – National Center for Transportation Studies Road Safety Research Lab study, accident severity is very much related to speeds of colliding vehicles caused by tailgating or miscalculation of speed. Thus, the paper recommended the use of an in-vehicle GPS device on buses.

 “PLDT fully supports this effort in helping improve road safety and curb vehicle accidents that endanger lives and property. We have fervently promoted the benefits of helping business owners with technology, and these solutions not only equip them with better tools for their business but also help ensure that their customers and passengers on the road are in better hands,” said PLDT FVP and SME Business head Kat Luna-Abelarde.