After revealing the price of the electric bus, the next question came from a journalist curious about the operational aspects of the new service.
"Mr. Reyes, can you tell us about the routes these buses will serve?"
Michael nodded, ready to share the strategic plan they had been developing for the transportation service.
"Certainly," he began, his voice carrying confidently through the terminal. "Our initial focus will be to serve key routes that connect major residential and commercial areas, starting from Cubao, which will be our central hub."
He proceeded to outline the specific routes. "From Cubao, we will extend our service to Taytay, Cainta, Antipolo, San Mateo, and Montalban. These areas are critical for our launch because they represent a significant portion of daily commuters who currently face challenges with the existing transportation options."
Michael explained further, "These routes were selected based on a comprehensive study of commuter traffic patterns, population density, and urban development plans. Our aim is to provide a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation option for these heavily trafficked corridors."
He then added an important note regarding the regulatory aspect. "Of course, these routes are subject to approval by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). We are currently in close communication with them and awaiting final confirmation. Our discussions have been positive, and we anticipate official approval soon."
Michael emphasized the significance of this collaboration with the LTFRB. "Working closely with the LTFRB is crucial for us. It's not just about securing the routes but also about ensuring that our service meets all regulatory standards and contributes positively to the country's transportation ecosystem."
He continued, "We believe that by introducing our state-of-the-art EcoRider buses into these routes, we can significantly improve the daily commute for thousands of people. The combination of our advanced technology and the strategic selection of routes is designed to set a new benchmark in public transportation in the Philippines."
Concluding that, another journalist asked him a question.
"Mr. Reyes, there is some commuters who expressed their gripe on mass transportation with commuters being tightly packed inside like a sardines, how will you resolve that?"
Michael addressed the concern with a firm and reassuring tone, "That's an excellent point and one that we've taken very seriously in designing our service. To ensure the comfort and satisfaction of our passengers, we've decided to implement a strict passenger limit on each bus."
"The real-time optimization of routes and speeds is managed by our AI-driven control system, ensuring we avoid unnecessary delays and maintain an optimal travel experience," Michael explained, as the bus effortlessly navigated the busy streets of Cubao.
The ride was smooth and uneventful, with the bus demonstrating its responsive handling and the effectiveness of its autonomous systems in real-time traffic. The passengers were visibly impressed, discussing among themselves the level of comfort and the advanced features that set the EcoRider apart from traditional public transportation.
Suddenly, the bus approached a notoriously rough patch of road, notorious for its deep potholes that often jolted passengers in regular vehicles. The passengers braced themselves instinctively, anticipating the familiar uncomfortable shudder. However, to their surprise, the EcoRider glided over the pothole seamlessly, with hardly a vibration felt inside the cabin.
A murmur of astonishment spread through the bus. "Did we just pass over that pothole?" one of the passengers exclaimed, looking around in disbelief. Others echoed the sentiment, marveling at the smoothness of the ride.
Michael seized the moment to highlight the technological prowess of the EcoRider. "Ladies and gentlemen, what you just experienced is the result of our state-of-the-art suspension system," he explained, his voice filled with a hint of pride.
"The EcoRider is equipped with an advanced active suspension that adapts in real-time to road conditions, ensuring maximum stability and comfort for passengers."
He continued, detailing the mechanics behind the feature, "Our suspension system uses sensors to detect road irregularities and adjusts the dampers instantaneously, mitigating any potential impact. This means that even when traveling over uneven roads or potholes, the ride remains smooth and uninterrupted."
The audience inside the bus was visibly impressed, nodding and whispering among themselves about the unparalleled comfort and innovative technology of the EcoRider.
"As you can see," Michael concluded, "our commitment to passenger comfort and satisfaction is not just theoretical. It's embedded in the very design and function of our vehicles. With the EcoRider, we are redefining what to expect from public transportation, ensuring that every journey is as pleasant and seamless as possible."
The demo ride continued, with the EcoRider showcasing its capabilities and reinforcing the attendees' positive impressions. As the bus returned to the terminal, the passengers disembarked, many of them still discussing the impressive features and the smooth ride, especially over the rough patch of road.
"It was a successful demo," Juliet commented.
"Indeed it is," Michael replied.