WITH the anticipated boom in mobility, as trade and tourism in Cebu get back to full life, motorists are encouraged to take advantage of mobile navigational apps for easier and faster access.
Gines Barot, assistant vice president of operations for MPT Mobility, said that as Cebu’s economy, the second largest after Metro Manila, continues to boom ahead of its neighboring provinces, traffic congestion will continue to be a major concern that will impact business activities.
“As Cebu continues to be a growing hub for both Philippine and international business, the traffic situation must be addressed,” he said in an email interview. “The opportunities in these urban spaces never stop changing and growing, so traffic is always going to be an issue. The hybrid work setup that some companies are implementing, plus retailers offering delivery options—for example—should have alleviated the problem somewhat, but as we’ve seen over the holidays, that’s just not the case.”
Gines led the launch of MPT DriveHub, a powerful all-in-one mobility app that aims to make the driving experience better and more convenient for all Filipinos.
Through MPT Mobility’s DriveHub app, Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) users and Cebuano motorists can reload their RFID accounts in real time, tap and track their RFID account balance, and call directly for emergency assistance.
While the app or any combination of apps will not solve the traffic congestion overnight, Gines believes that “MPT DriveHub is a great tool that will help make trips easier with its features designed specifically for the common problems that Filipinos face.”
He noted that the app’s instant RFID balance check and reloading features are key, especially for those who make lengthy trips like in Cebu, with a route along CCLEX.
Tech adoption
Gines believes Cebu as a collective is determined to get ahead in terms of adopting innovations like this into their lifestyle.
“I’ve always liked that about Cebu. Of course, there will be those who are hesitant. I know there are still people who are unconvinced of tech, or those who just don’t explore the tech available to them enough to really make the most of it... I am confident we have features that will be more than useful to the majority, especially the RFID balance check and reloading,” said Gines, who is part of the team that developed MPT DriveHub.
“A lot of inconvenience on long trips can be avoided by adopting the right balance of preparedness and spontaneity, and I think that the way we’ve built the MPT DriveHub app really aids in that kind of resourcefulness,” he added.
Campaign
To grow the end-user base and encourage more Cebuanos to try the app and realize its valuable features, MPT Mobility launched the Download, Drive and Win incentivization program, giving motorists the chance to drive home one of two brand-new MG ZS, or be one of 10 lucky recipients of P100,000.
Users earn one point once they register as an MPT DriveHub user and link their RFID account, which is equivalent to one raffle entry. They can also earn more points by reloading their Easytrip or CCLEX RFID (one point for every P200, non-cumulative) or referring a friend with a link (five points).
New referrals of MPT DriveHub users also earn through the referral link they received (one point).
Each point equals one entry, capping at 24 points per month. The campaign ends Jan. 31, 2023.
Presently, MPT DriveHub users for CCLEX stand at over 30,000.