Kicking off June as the Philippine Environment Month, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) hops on the Tipaklong shared mobility program of the University of the Philippines Los Baños in Laguna. The pioneering initiative among Philippine universities allows students, personnel, and campus visitors to ‘green hop’ inside the university by renting electric bikes (e-bikes) or electric kick scooters (e-scooters).
“Smart is honored to partner alongside UPLB in building a sustainable ecosystem for the UPLB Community in overcoming challenges while also championing climate change solutions. Smart enables and supports technology-driven initiatives with wireless connectivity enabling the growth and adoption of the innovative transport solution. One step at a time to make positive impact to a sustainable future,” said John Y. Palanca, Head for Sales at PLDT and Smart.
Tipaklong is a ride-sharing system where the general public, using a mobile digital platform, can rent e-bikes and e-scooters for use inside a specific area. Customers can unlock the vehicles for rent by using the Tipaklong mobile app on their smartphone to scan a QR code. Rides are charged on a per use basis and credits can be paid through Maya. The e-bikes and e-scooters can be picked up and dropped off at any of the 22 stations strategically located across the university. And with Smart LTE present in all Tipaklong stations inside UPLB, users are assured of access to the e-bikes and e-scooters on demand.
As a UPLB alumnus himself, Tipaklong Sustainable Mobility Corporation President Arnold Bufi is very much familiar with the challenges of going around the campus, “The buildings are far apart. Many academic facilities are not covered by the jeepney routes. The campus needs an innovative solution to give the community a point-to-point transport system.”
Covering more than a thousand hectares, going around between buildings and facilities can pose challenges for UPLB students and personnel. Tipaklong answers the call for alternative transportation to augment public utility jeepneys.
“The program meets two objectives – the need for active mobility to reach underserved areas and climate action by reducing reliance on fossil fuel. Tipaklong underwent a three-week trial. In that period, more than 2,600 users have signed up for the Tipaklong mobile app and Maya,” said Roberto P. Cereno, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs at UPLB.
“The shared mobility initiative inside UPLB is a glimpse into the future where digital innovations are integrated into everyday activities. The micro-mobility project is part of future-proofing the university toward the next industrial revolution,” said Jose V. Camacho Jr., Chancellor of UPLB.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III congratulated UPLB for launching the program, “The pioneering project offers a more sustainable alternative for in-campus mobility. It’s a program that we hope other higher institutions of learning can adopt as well.”
To further boost UPLB’s sustainability journey, Smart also deployed two electronic waste (e-waste) collection bins at the Student Union Building under its ‘Be Kind. Recycle.’ e-waste management program. Students and personnel can drop off unwanted gadgets and devices like old mobile phones, laptops, tablets, routers, chargers, cords, among others, at the specially marked e-waste recycling bins.
Smart’s support to UPLB’s green mobility program highlights its commitment to helping the country attain UNSDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, UNSDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, and UNSDG 13 on Climate Action.