PLDT : rolls out ‘Smartbus’ solutions to advance public transportation

MANILA, Philippines, October 27, 2016- Leading telecommunications and digital services company PLDT, through its micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) unit PLDT SME Nation, is introducing transportation solutions that could help enhance the country's urban bus transport system, and improve commuter convenience and security.

In line with the government's plans to modernize public bus transportation, PLDT recently rolled out a series digital solutions that are suited to benefit bus operators through efficient tracking of their transport units, on-board security surveillance, monitoring real-time sales through an e-ticketing system, and wifi connectivity inside the bus premises for passengers to enjoy.

Called the PLDT SME Nation SmartBus project, this offering helps answer the need for bus operators to comply with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) circular that requires bus operators to install a global positioning system (GPS) monitoring devices in their vehicles to help track its movements and promote commuter safety.

'Provincial and city buses form a major part of the lives of daily commuters, whether as a means of going to work or reaching different parts of the city. Apart from running a bus franchise amid the perennial heavy traffic in our thoroughfares, bus operators also need to prioritize and ensure passengers' safety,' said PLDT VP and Head of SME Nation Mitch Locsin. '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.'

The SmartBus project provides bus operators the following solutions to implement:

Smart Biz LTE

• Connects fleets with business-grade Wifi that address the connectivity needs of companies under the transportation industry such as Bus Companies, UV Express. It can connect up to 45 devices at the same time and delivers non-stop LTE speeds.

Smart Tracker

• An LTFRB approved GPS Tracker, this helps bus companies track and monitor their vehicles which makes dispatching of fleets more efficient. It online location map can also be integrated to a traffic update platform that could give real-time traffic conditions for the bus route.
• Business owners and dispatchers can get SMS, email, and web alerts when drivers are overspeeding, idle, and in emergency situations. It also lets owners monitor fuel consumption through distance travelled by their units, alerts if ever their units go past a defined geozone.

Smart Cam

• This gives owners the security to view and monitor the situation inside their buses. This gives passengers that security of remote surveillance in case of emergencies. The device can also be installed near the bus's fuel source to prevent gas pilferage.

Smart Fleet

• This cloud-based solution helps bus operators perform vehicle management operations such as maintenance, dispatching and cashiering, driver data, and reports. It helps drivers to reduce vehicle operations and maintenance which saves on costs.

Smart e-Ticketing

• A system that automates dispatch scheduling and quotes fares real-time. It enables users to manage and monitor admissions and retail from the head office while tracking real-time sales. Travel fare is computed and is printed out with the details for the passenger, and information gets transmitted to the head office in real-time.

These solutions can be availed in varying packages that suits different needs of bus operators. Operators can choose from the Smart Tracker Plans, Smart Cam Plans, Smart E-Ticketing, or even combine solutions to design their own plan for low monthly rates.

'With these solutions, bus operators can really maximize their operations and save on costs, while giving their passengers greater security and convenience to make traveling through the metro a better and enjoyable experience,' said Locsin.

PLDT SME Nation serves as PLDT's business unit delivering innovative digital solutions MSMEs. Through technology, PLDT enables local businesses to better serve their customers, expand their operations, and help them Make It Big.