Toyota PH launches shuttle service for PGH frontliners

Gail Alcabaza May 15, 2020

All over the world, countries are trying to cope up with the drastic changes brought about by COVID-19, and the Philippines is no exception. National and local governments, private sector, and individuals are working hand in hand to help Filipinos through this crisis. Although most people are doing their part by staying home, there are still groups of people, mostly healthcare workers, who need to commute to work to do their jobs.

Toyota shows its support to frontliners and healthcare workers in a press release, saying: "Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) salutes and gives its utmost respect to these frontliners providing such essential services. Being a good corporate citizen, the company would like to do its part to support the Department of Transportation’s ‘Free Ride for Health Workers Program.’ Today, the company announces its collaboration with the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), an independent non-profit organization aimed at enabling mobility for all, to provide sanitized, just-in-time transportation services for the healthcare frontliners in Philippine General Hospital." tmp

Toyota's free mobility support provides up to 10 connected and sanitized shuttles which will cater to the different shifts of the workers to help ease their burden during commute. The service will work alongside a ‘Just-in-Time’ booking app, allowing a more efficient process in setting the pick-up time and at locations close to home for workers for enhanced security.

Pras Ganesh, program director for the Asia Region of TMF shares, “Using our expertise in mobility solutions, TMF aims to support the Philippines’ healthcare workers in their daily commute, by providing a solution that offers peace of mind to maintain their well-being with this sanitized, just-in-time free shuttle service.”

To help reduce the risk of infection, the said shuttles will come with air purifiers and disposable seat covers replaced periodically, as well as regular cleaning and sanitation schedules. Shuttle drivers will don personal protective equipment as well, and the passenger seating distance will also be observed accordingly.

Atsuhiro Okamoto, president of TMP, comments, “To express our appreciation to the frontliners for their courage and sacrifice, Toyota partners with the Department of Transportation to support our modern day heroes. As a good corporate citizen of the Philippines, we will continue with our commitment to improve the quality of life of Filipinos, especially in these trying times.”

Toyota's shuttle service will start its operation from mid-May and operate for a period of three months, with the potential to be extended based on necessity. In addition to this, the company has also donated 49 vehicles to various government hospitals, local government units, and other volunteer groups to transport frontliners, healthcare workers, and other essential workers, as well as a donation of PPE to a local hospital, and distribution of rice and grocery packages to families in certain communities.

Toyota Motor Philippines employees have also pooled their personal resources voluntarily to be able to provide more PPEs to healthcare workers, basic food supply to the less privileged, and monetary support to non-regular employees. In addition to this, Metrobank Card Corporation is giving Petron fuel rebates to frontliners who are Toyota Mastercard holders.