LTFRB Launches Mobile App to Enhance Commuters Safety in Philippines

MANILA: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has launched a new mobile app on Tuesday to assure more safety to the daily public commuters. The app is developed by a local software start-up company Galileo Software Services Inc., named as “Safe Ride” which switches smartphones into an advanced safety device along with tracking the exact location of the user.

It comes with a feature that allows a user to click pictures of a public utility vehicle’s (PUV) registration number plate and driver and eventually sends it to Galileo’s database server automatically. Safe ride app also comes with a pre-installed “red button” which provides an emergency notification solution and allows the user to send a message to a pre-set emergency number. After the “red button” gets pressed, the user can enable transmission of SOS signal where the data including pictures, geo-location can be sent.

The data will be recorded by Galileo and then will be transferred to LTFRB's contact centers for further processing. However, LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez revealed that the app will be available for download by the end of November. Ginez also made it clear that the Board won't change any amount for the development of the app which means that it's going to be free.

Presently, LTFRB and Galileo are working on development of the reporting system that will allow frequent respond to emergency messages received via Safe Ride. The Board will also develop contact center facilities with communication lines to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), local hospitals, and other important agencies.

According to Ginez, “Safe Ride is a good mobile tool to protect commuters from bad elements of the society; we are pleased to collaborate with Galileo in promoting its use which is in line with the Board’s mission of ensuring the safety and convenient of the riding public.”

He added “We encourage people to use it so they can also report reckless driving, and rude behavior to the LTFRB.”