Motoring News

ICYMI: One Ayala–SM Link, greener QC bike lanes, inDrive gets LTFRB accreditation

Plus the MRT-3’s adjusted hours for the holidays
Philippine motoring news roundup from December 10 to 16, 2023
PHOTO: One Ayala, Green Transport Office – DPOS, inDrive, Shell Philippines

One Ayala–SM Link now open

“For those who regularly transit through the One Ayala transport hub, here’s some handy info: The One Ayala–SM Link is now open, allowing direct access to and from SM Makati.

“You may access the SM Link at One Ayala via levels two and three, which connect to levels three and four, respectively, of the SM Store. Via this link, MRT-3 passengers also get direct access between SM Makati and Ayala Station.

“Throughout December, One Ayala is also offering free parking on weekends. The carpark may be accessed by turning right from Ayala Avenue onto East Street.

“One Ayala is an intermodal transport terminal that has stations for public utility vehicles like buses, jeepneys, and UV Express vans. For our full to One Ayala’s routes, schedules, and fares, click here.”

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Greener protected bike lanes in Quezon City

Quezon City has become one of the more bike-friendly locales in the metro over the years, viral road rage incidents notwithstanding. One of its latest initiatives has got to be one of the best ones yet: It is now building more bike lanes in the city by using plant boxes as dividers.

“The local government has been putting up these concrete plant boxes along major thoroughfares like Katipunan Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue. This is actually a brilliant idea, because it serves two main purposes: protecting cyclists on the bike lane and adding some greenery around the city.

“The Green Transport Office is encouraging the public to help support this new initiative and to refrain from destroying, vandalizing, or in any way abusing the new plant boxes. ‘Ito ay para sa ating lahat—para sa kaligtasan, kalusugan, at pagsulong ng paggamit ng bisikleta ng ating lungsod,’ the announcement read.”

Ride-hailing firm inDrive gets LTFRB accreditation

“US-based company inDrive has received accreditation from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as a transport network company (TNC). This means that inDrive can already begin rolling out its services here in the Philippines.

“inDrive has confirmed that it will initially activate its applications in five cities: Bacolod, Baguio, Iloilo City, Cagayan de Oro, and Butuan. No Metro Manila yet, folks—the company will continue its driver recruitment initiatives before officially launching and expanding its services across the country.

“‘We are thrilled to receive official accreditation from the LTFRB, a testament to our unwavering commitment to safety, reliability, and innovation,’ said inDrive APAC director Roman Ermoshin. ‘As we embark on this exciting journey, we look forward to fulfilling the transportation needs of Filipinos, providing them with more choices, and contributing to the evolving landscape of urban mobility.’

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Shell Recharge station launched in BGC

“After launching the first Shell Recharge station last year and a second one just a few months backShell Philippines has now unveiled another one in Bonifacio Global City.

“The new Shell Recharge station is located at Seven/NEO in BGC. It features two AC22kWh charging ports that can charge two vehicles simultaneously. It is also 100% renewable and is the brand’s first-ever 100% geothermal-powered charger in the world.

“The Seven/NEO building is the first net-zero portfolio of buildings certified with the Philippine Green Building Council’s (PhilGBC) Advancing Net Zero Philippines and the International Finance Corporation’s EDGE Zero Carbon.

“For now, charging at BGC’s new Shell Recharge station is, er, free of charge. For all EV owners out there, you might want to check this one out.”

MRT-3 adjusted holiday hours

“The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has already released its holiday schedule for the year, with the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 expected to release their adjusted hours soon.

“So, if you’ll be commuting by train in the coming days, take note of the schedules below. If you’re going to be driving on occasion, be reminded that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be retaining the number coding window hours for the holidays, too.

December 15, 18 to 22, 26 to 29, and January 2 to 3 (weekdays)

  • First trip: 4:30am from North Avenue, 5:05am from Taft Avenue
  • Last trip: 9:30pm from North Avenue, 10:09pm from Taft Avenue

December 16, 23, and 30 (Saturdays)

  • First trip: 4:37am from North Avenue, 5:18am from Taft Avenue
  • Last trip: 9:30pm from North Avenue, 10:08pm from Taft Avenue

December 17 (Sunday)

  • First trip: 4:38am from North Avenue, 5:19am from Taft Avenue
  • Last trip: 9:30pm from North Avenue, 10:09pm from Taft Avenue

December 24 and 31 (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)

  • First trip: 4:38am from North Avenue, 5:19am from Taft Avenue
  • Last trip: 7:45pm from North Avenue, 8:23pm from Taft Avenue

December 25 and January 1 (Christmas and New Year)

  • First trip: 6:30am from North Avenue, 6:30am from Taft Avenue
  • Last trip: 9:30pm from North Avenue, 10:09pm from Taft Avenue

See Also

PHOTO: One Ayala, Green Transport Office – DPOS, inDrive, Shell Philippines
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    TGP Rating:
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