Toyota PH to deploy 10 Hiaces to PGH by mid-May

MANILA: After lending out test drive units locally as soon as the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) started, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has stepped it up once again by coming up with another way to assist healthcare workers.

TMP and Toyota Mobility Foundation, partnered up to provide sanitized, just-in-time transportation services for the health care frontline workers in Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

10 Hiace units have been converted to 'connected' and sanitized shuttles that will be available 24/7 to address the mobility issues regardless of shift schedules.

Using a “Just-in-Time” booking app, the shuttles will operate based on the pick-up time and locations closest to the residence of the users.

In addition to being frequently cleansed, all units will be equipped with air purifiers and disposable seat covers that will be replaced periodically. Drivers and cleaning crew will wear always personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distance from passengers as well.

“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,” said Atsuhiro Okamoto, President of TMP, commented.

The shuttle service will start mid-May and run for at least three months, with the possibility of extending depending on the need and quarantine situation of Metro Manila.

Mr. Pras Ganesh, Program Director for Asia Region of TMF, added, “Using our expertise in mobility solutions, TMF aims to support the Philippines’ health care 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.”

Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF) has also donated PPEs to a local hospital and distributed rice and grocery packages to families affected by the pandemic. TMP employees also pooled personal resources voluntarily 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.

Also read: Toyota PH lends 47 vehicles to pandemic frontliners