As we continue to open up the economy and further remove restrictions on the movement of people, more and more companies are beginning to require employees to work in the office. On this line, we should also start to make adjustments, especially in the area of ​​public transportation. The state-sponsored free-riding program is coming to an end, and the company-sponsored shuttle service may end soon.

Soon, workers will be forced to work in their own way again. Public transportation options and capacity are what we should plan for. For many people, private transportation has become more expensive given the increase in fuel prices. Cycling is only suitable for those who can afford it both financially and physically.

Then there are public health considerations. As more people are allowed to move around and squeeze into jeeps, buses, and trains, another COVID-19 surge may only be a matter of time. Companies began to operate with higher capabilities, and some schools resumed limited face-to-face courses. As vaccine effectiveness diminishes over time, the possibility of a surge is a concern.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that, on the one hand, Europe is now fighting the climax of the pandemic again, and pointed out that Austria will resume the blockade this week, while Germany and the Netherlands are preparing to announce new restrictions. Agence France-Presse quoted a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) that by March 1st, 700,000 people out of the 53 countries that make up the WHO European region may die. The cited reasons include relaxation of restrictions and declining protection against infections and mild diseases caused by vaccines.

We do better locally, but no one knows how long we can last. The OCTA research team said in a recent report that based on current trends, the number of new COVID-19 infections in Metro Manila, in particular, may drop to less than 100 per day before Christmas. The Philippine Star quoted Octa as reporting that the 7-day average of the NCR (National Capital Region) from November 16 to 22 dropped to 293 cases, the positive rate-the percentage of people who tested positive for COVID in these cases. -Two percent.

"The last time the National Capital Region (NCR) 7-day average was below 300 was January 2-8, 2021," Star quoted OCTA researcher Guido David as saying. He pointed out that "according to current trends," the 7-day average of NCR may drop to less than 200 in the first week of December, and to less than 100 around Christmas.

However, to achieve this, David said, "We must continue to comply with minimum public health standards to maintain trends." In my opinion, this is the problem. Christmas in the Philippines has clearly begun, and although the pandemic and national medical emergency are far from over, more people are now leaving their homes. As people gather or gather, ensuring compliance with "minimum public health standards" becomes more difficult.

In terms of public transportation, ensuring public safety is even more difficult. This is the importance of creativity and originality. In March last year, the City of Manila launched a pilot project aimed at operating electric buses that can safely accommodate passengers while complying with physical distance restrictions. Electric vehicle company GET Philippines, Manila LGU and Aboitiz Group are partners in this project.

I mentioned electric buses because of my knowledge of GET Philippines’ fleet management system, which is designed to respond to COVID and meet minimum public health standards. Its COMET electric minibuses are fully electric and fast-charging; have GPS tracking and fleet management functions; are equipped with Wi-Fi; and use an application-based contactless ticketing design to limit cash handling and driver-passenger interaction . If I remember correctly, there is also an app-based automatic contact tracking option.

More importantly, the same electric bus is designed to transport the disabled (PWD), the elderly and other people with limited mobility. In addition, these small buses are electric, thus reducing the impact of high oil prices. They are also smaller than ordinary buses and can travel through the narrow streets of Metro Manila more easily.

"Our goal is to transform electric vehicles from an expensive product for a few people into a solution that changes the lives of most people," GET President Freddie Tinga said in a statement. "Our COMET electric minibus uses Formula E engineering from Spain and combines it with the Silicon Valley analysis on our mobile app. The result is a more efficient, cost-effective, and zero-emission transportation system that provides Provide a better and healthier experience with pedestrians."

I have read the reports of COMET bus trials in Davao City and Manila. The Cebu Daily News reported that by January 2022, at least 30 identical electric buses will operate on the Cebu Metro route to solve traffic congestion and air pollution. GET stated that the operating hours of electric buses are the same as any diesel buses, but the emissions are subtracted.

In addition, GET's fleet management system can track buses and passengers, who need to download the GET Pass application on their mobile phones. The app will allow them to use the vehicle and pay the fare, etc. The bus service can also be used by companies subscribing to their employees (including people with disabilities) at a rate similar to the existing public transport fare.

As the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines matures and new technologies for fleet management, public transportation will begin to shift to more cost-effective, environmentally and commuter-friendly alternatives. Electric trains are a long-term goal. But electric minibuses and jeepneys are easy to achieve, and deployment speeds are faster.

GET Philippines’ COMET electric minibus and its "subscription" service are just one of the emerging options so far. I believe there will be more options available soon. It is important now that the available options should be developed to meet the commuting needs in the COVID world. It is not enough to rely on public transportation to promote the movement of people. We should transfer people in the safest and most secure way possible. Public health remains the top priority.

MARVIN TORT is the former executive editor of BusinessWorld and the former chairman of the Philippine Press Council matort@yahoo.com