Yanson Group upgrades fleet, invests on service automation

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines   â€” One of the country’s largest inland transportation provider, Yanson Group of Companies (YGC) is set to revolutionize land transportation service in the Philippines by investing on full automation of its services in all of its 2,300 bus fleet.

The Bacolod-based company operates four bus trade names such as Ceres Transport Inc., Rural Transit Mindanao Inc., Bachelor Express Inc. and Southern Star Bus Transit Inc.

In an interview with YGC vice president for administration and management information system (MIS) Hernan B. Omecillo he said that the company sets the benchmark in the country’s land transportation service by first establishing WiFi service in its airconditioned buses.

This year, the company will be introducing automated ticketing and fare collection systems. Also the company aims to install aircondition in all of its buses.

Moreover, online booking and on board cash registry or prepaid card payment system will also be introduced this year, however, implementation will be by phases.

This month, the bus company targets to provide WiFi service in all of its airconditioned buses.

Meanwhile, its long term plan includes becoming a world class transport operator in Asia in 15 years. For now, the company has already kicked off with its international expansion plan starting with Vietnam.

Omecillo said the riding public has become more sophisticated and that comfort and convenience are two important considerations while travelling inland.

He added that inland transportation industry in the Philippines remains profitable despite the introduction of peso fares from airlines that are also now providing shorter air routes.

In the Visayas and Mindanao area, YGC has captured 80% to 85% of the commercial land transportation market.

In Cebu, there are a total of 253 Ceres bus lines plying different destinations around the island province,  it also plans to expand the number of units depending on the availability of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) franchise.

The company maintains a 150,000 square meters manufacturing, assembly, engineering and maintenance plans and two training centers like skills improvement of the employees.

YGC provides employment to over nine thousand people nationwide. According to Omecillo the company will continue to expand its workforce specifically if it will pursue its local and international expansion plans.

Founded by its president Ricardo B. Yanson Sr., the company ventured into the inland transport business in the late 1950s with a lone 14-seater jeepney plying a single route.

Today, YGC is considered as the premier inland transport player in the country. (FREEMAN)