Quezon City: Vietnam-based Vingroup Corporation on Tuesday launched the Green and Smart Mobility (GSM) all-electric taxi and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) in Quezon City. In a statement, GSM said an initial fleet of 2,500 electric vehicles made by VinFast -- an automotive company under Vingroup -- will hit the roads of Metro Manila within the day.

According to Philippines News Agency, GSM's fleet will be made up of the VinFast Nerio Green, a compact electric vehicle with a range of 326 km. and equipped with advanced driver-assist systems and modern infotainment features, tailored for conditions in the Philippines. This marks the beginning of GSM's first phase of operations in the Philippines with an investment of USD500 million. Once fully operational, GSM is expected to create between 20,000 to 70,000 high-quality jobs for Filipinos nationwide, with investments reaching a total of USD1 billion.

The company will operate a hybrid model of taxi services combining manual hailing and app bookings, with drivers either employed full-time or partnering with GSM. GSM's entry into the country's taxi and TNVS sector is a major step towards the fulfillment of the Marcos administration's goal of modernizing the public utility vehicle (PUV) sector.

The introduction of VinFast electric taxis is expected to set new standards in safety, service quality, and environmental impact by reducing carbon emissions and providing commuters with a convenient, app-based booking system that ensures transparency and ease of use. During the launch, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go said GSM's entry into the country would be a 'game changer for Philippine public transport.'

It promises not only to modernize the transport system, but more importantly, to offer commuters a safer, more convenient and environmentally friendly transport option.