The local unit of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation announces its collaboration with Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), an independent non-profit organization, to provide sanitation and transportation services for the health care workers at the Philippine General Hospital.
Under this free-of-charge mobility support, up to 10 connected and sanitized shuttles are provided around the clock to cater to the different shifts of the workers to ease their burden. Equipped with a ‘Just-in-Time’ booking app, this service allows greater certainty in the pick-up time and at locations close to home for workers for enhanced security.
To reduce the risk of infection, these shuttles will also be installed with air purifiers and disposable seat covers replaced periodically, in addition to being frequently cleansed. Drivers and cleaning crew will don personal protective equipment as well. In keeping with guidelines for social distancing, passenger seating capacity will also be observed accordingly.
“To express our appreciation to the frontliners for their courage and sacrifice, Toyota partners with the Department of Transportation to support our modern day heroes. As a good corporate citizen of the Philippines, we will continue with our commitment to improve the quality of life of Filipinos, especially in these trying times,” said Atsuhiro Okamoto, President of Toyota Motor Philippines.
Meanwhile, Pras Ganesh, Program Director for Asia Region of TMF, added, “Using our expertise in mobility solutions, TMF aims to support the Philippines’ health care workers in their daily commute, by providing a solution that offers peace of mind to maintain their well-being with this sanitized, just-in-time free shuttle service.”
The shuttle service will start from mid-May and operate for a period of three months, with the potential to be extended based on necessity.
At present, TMP has also allocated 49 vehicles to various government hospitals, local government units, and other volunteer groups to transport frontliners, healthcare workers, and other essential workers. Other efforts to help the community include Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation’s (TMPF) donation of PPEs to a local hospital and distribution of rice and grocery packages to families in certain communities.
TMP employees also pooled personal resources voluntarily to provide more PPEs to healthcare workers, basic food supply to the less privileged, and monetary support to non-regular employees.