Public transport is not enough: MECQ signals the need for more reliable options, SWAT Mobility shows the way

Manila, August 5, 2020 - Singapore-based smart mobility solution firm SWAT Mobility aims to provide businesses with a safe, reliable way to transport employees amidst Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ). 

With MECQ once again being declared over Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces, many of those who breathed a sigh of relief at public transport opening back up now find themselves back to square one. Although General Community Quarantine (GCQ) mandated that public transportation such as jeeps and trains operate at reduced capacity, they at least provided employees with familiar methods of getting to work again. 

Yet the reversal back to MECQ status proves how ill-advised a total reliance on public transport really is. For those working in essential industries and are required to be physically present, the current situation presents a logistical headache. Even more concerning is the prospect of essential employees, like healthcare workers, being unable to do their jobs just because too much of their time is devoted to figuring out how to get to work.

According to official government guidelines, companies are highly encouraged to provide shuttle services (especially for healthcare workers) and this is where SWAT Mobility comes in. 

SWAT Mobility utilizes the latest in vehicle-routing technology in order to provide a safe, comfortable ride for a business’ employees. The company uses real-time tracking to provide drivers with the optimum route for each journey, with the driver’s dashboard also constantly being updated regarding sudden road closures, accidents, etc. Their fleet also gives employees an option to be picked up right at their doorstep, or at an agreed-upon venue.

How SWAT Mobility partners with companies is that only authorized employees will be given access to the SWAT Mobility app to book rides. Clients will then have a range of solutions to choose from, with each of them catering to a particular demand pattern or type of employee. Their Commute Pass line, for example, is perfect for employees who have a fixed working schedule and would like to book rides for up to an entire month. For those who work changing shifts, the Just In Time line lets these users book rides on an as-needed basis. 

‍
According to Nicholas Stipp, Chief Revenue Officer at SWAT Mobility, the sudden shift away from GCQ and back to MECQ illustrates that investing in a transport solution for employees is a must. “It’s unfortunately clear now that the pandemic is far from over,” states Stipp.

“But there will always be people who need to get to work. SWAT Mobility presents a solution that’s easily accessible, efficient, and comfortable.”

Of course, it’s worth noting that SWAT Mobility already has an extensive list of partnerships and clients under its belt here in the Philippines. Recently, the company partnered with Toyota Philippines to service co-working and staff leasing provider KMC Solutions. It was through this that KMC was able to automate 90% of its previous manual work in managing a corporate shuttle fleet while improving the efficiency of its fleet by up to 30%. Additionally, SWAT Mobility has developed an app that lets users easily book seats on P2P buses. The solution also allows operators like DNS to easily digitize operations, rendering them better equipped for the new normal of transport. 

Finally, SWAT Mobility was also partnered with the Toyota Mobility Foundation as part of the Department of Transportation’s Free Ride for Healthcare Workers program. The initiative was critical in providing close-to-door rides for front liners and shows just how beneficial their solutions are not only to private companies but the community overall. 

"Our partnerships in the Philippines have enabled us to contribute to easing the worker transport challenges,” concludes Stipp.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg; we look forward to a long and fruitful journey with our partners to positively impact local transportation."

‍

About SWAT Mobility

SWAT Mobility (SWAT) is a Singapore-based smart mobility solution firm that provides demand-responsive and ride-sharing technology in high capacity vehicles. With the belief that efficient transport is a fundamental right, SWAT endeavours to use its core mobility engine to improve the way people commute, ease congestion and improve their quality of life. 

Founded in 2015, SWAT has completed over a million dynamically-routed rides worldwide for commuters. The firm’s solutions  are used by clients across Asia Pacific, including Sumitomo Corporation, Toyota Corporation, Transportation for New South Wales, SATS and Sembcorp Marine. Since its inception, the firm has garnered more than US$12 million in funding from investors such as the Goldbell Group, iGlobe Partners, ComfortDelGro Ventures, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) Investments, EDB New Ventures, SMRT Momentum Ventures and the University of Tokyo Edge Capital (UTEC).

The company is headquartered in Singapore, with operations across seven markets including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.