Corporate Social Responsibility Davao Light Sustainability

BEST Bus: A year of sustainable and green transportation in Davao City

February 08, 2022

A year after the launch of the first fully-electric shuttle service in Mindanao, the Business for Environmentally Sustainable Transformation (BEST) Bus Project recorded zero harmful gas emissions and lived by its purpose of providing eco-friendly, safer, and convenient transportation.

The BEST Bus Project is an initiative advocating to “be green, be digital, and be kind” for a better community. It is a partnership between the City Government of Davao, Davao Light and Power Co., Inc., Aboitiz Foundation Inc., GET Philippines, and QEV Technologies.

It was started as support to the LGU's efforts to make Davao City a more sustainable and livable metropolis. Since its launch last December 11, 2020, up until the end of the one-year project in 2021, the seven (7) BEST Buses delighted commuters with comfort and ease since they are fully air-conditioned, modern, PWD-friendly, and have wifi available to all.

“After taking a seat, you'll start to feel how convenient and relaxing riding the BEST Bus is, especially during rush hours when it's difficult to find something to ride on,” said Dabawenya Youtube vlogger Mc Jay Acedilla in her vlog about her experience riding the BEST Bus.

Passengers also felt safe because barriers were installed in the buses to protect passengers from the spread of Covid-19. Contact tracing was also made possible and easier with the use of the GET-PASS app. It can also be used to check the bus' route and current location since it is equipped with a GPS tracking system.

Echoing the same sentiments as other BEST Bus passengers, Davaoeno Youtuber Garry Kneale said that he was surprised at how easy, simple, and good the new electric buses are in Davao City. “It's the way bus travel should be,” Kneale said.

After one year of operations, the BEST Bus recorded 14 hours of service per day, 258,401 kilometers traveled, 166,925 passengers shuttled, and a total of 14,098 completed trips. The BEST Bus is indeed efficient and has a lasting impact on the environmental sustainability of the city.

Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation will keep supporting and developing green initiatives, like the BEST Bus Project, that can lead to more environmentally-friendly lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.