Supported by the Sustainable Seeds Fund 2.0 from the Asia Venture Philanthropic Network (AVPN), with backing from Google.org and the Asian Development (ADB), the UP Administration Foundation, Inc. (UPPAF) is developing the Parasol systems solution to help modernize the Philippines' public transport by providing transport service entities and government agencies with advanced technology, financial connections, and capacity-building strategies. This initiative addresses the challenges faced by jeepney operators under the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), offering tools for better planning and operations monitoring through intelligent transport systems and blockchain technology. UPPAF has tapped SafeTravelPH Mobility Innovations Organization, a University of the Philippines-based non-profit spinoff for the project's research and development.
PARASOL aims to enhance decision-making and operational efficiencies by integrating real-time data, supporting route planning, fleet management, and access to climate financing. It is studying the just transition for vulnerable workers in the paratransit sector while advocating for expanded government oversight and support in the low-carbon transition of the industry.
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Enhancing Data-Driven Decision Making
The PARASOL platform is designed to address the specific needs of transport service entities, helping them improve multi-level efficiencies (city, organizational, route, driver, and vehicle), for better energy and eco-driving practices and outcomes. By integrating real-time data from the SafeTravelPH app and telematics, the platform will empower transport operators and asset managers with insights into their operations. Key features of the project include:
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Route Network and Service Planning: An enhanced framework for preparing the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) of local governments, with digital tools for data generation, collection, management, analytics, evaluation, and visualization. It will help inform new planning and governance mechanisms in public transport such as fleet size mixing within a route, financial modeling, network-based service/route planning, and viability simulations.
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Business Intelligence and Fleet Management Systems: A comprehensive module that allows transport service entities or TSEs (cooperatives and small business corporations) to monitor and optimize their vehicle operations and business growth.
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MRV and Benchmarking Tools: A system that provides valuable information on climate and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risk factors, aiding in financial risk management, and providing the government and financial institutions with Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system for road-based public transport.
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Access to Financing and Investments: By capturing operational data, the PARASOL platform aims to facilitate better government and private investments thru budget programming, and private and climate financing for TSEs that are transitioning to modern and energy-efficient transport solutions. It will also demonstrate a Quality of Service (QoS)-based Service Contracting Program (SCP) using Parasol technologies, as a living lab for public transport investment research.
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Supporting Public Transport Modernization Adopters
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We believe that we should aim to make public transport (PT) not just a necessity but a cool and attractive option for all, even for car owners. This shift in perception is crucial for the sustainability of the system and the growth of the transport cooperative business.
Just Transition: Central to any modernization effort is the principle of a "just transition." This means that while modernizing and innovating, we must ensure that workers, particularly drivers and operators, are not left behind. By supporting reskilling programs, fair compensation, and opportunities for worker ownership in TSEs, the modernization process can empower communities rather than displacing them. A just transition ensures that transport modernization benefits all, especially those traditionally involved in informal transport, creating equitable growth and sustainable employment opportunities within the public transport sector.
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Sustainability: If PT becomes an attractive option, fewer people will rely on private cars, reducing road congestion and emissions.
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Investment Potential: Focusing on PT infrastructure like terminals and digital fleet management systems increases the growth potential of transport entities (TSCs).
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Enterprise Growth: As the TSEs grow and consolidate, they can attract more investment, fostering innovation in public transport systems, thus shifting significant funding for car infrastructure to public and even active transport.