The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has welcomed the deployment of the country’s first hybrid passenger buses, following the introduction of 10 units by Genesis Transport Inc.. The hybrid buses will operate between Balanga City, Bataan and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). The rollout supports the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), aimed at upgrading public utility vehicles and reducing emissions.
The hybrid buses combine diesel and electric propulsion to lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs. According to LTFRB, one kilowatt of electricity consumption is equivalent to one litre of diesel. With electricity priced at approximately PHP11–PHP13.50 per kWh compared to diesel prices exceeding PHP50 per litre, the new fleet is expected to reduce operating expenses. The buses will serve intercity commuters along the Bataan–Metro Manila corridor.
The PTMP prioritises route rationalisation and the gradual transition to modern and electric vehicles. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II stated that the introduction of hybrid buses signals broader modernisation beyond jeepneys and could encourage additional operators to invest in low-emission fleets.