An AVPN Sustainability Seeds Fund 2.0 Grantee
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) and SafeTravelPH are launching the PARASOL Project. This initiative aims to improve technologies that address critical climate and sustainability issues in the Asia Pacific region.
Parasol explores just transition pathways to cleaner and more efficient technologies in paratransit (aka popular transport or informal transport) through open systems that digitally and organizationally transform the industry, and provide modern low-cost tools for collaborative planning, governance, operations, financing, and monitoring.
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PARASOL Components
Generate, collect, and analyze data from existing routes and transport services for Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) preparation and evaluation.
Build and publish with us informational tool such as GTFS on Google Maps and onboard transit maps.
Simulate proposed plans with real-world testing and monitoring, and model route networks using gold standard tools in travel demand modeling, together with business planning and multi-year transition scenarios of infrastructure, vehicle assets and human resource.
Route Network and Service Planning
Monitor the performance of the fleet, including real-time tracking of vehicle locations & occupancy, service quality (e.g. timeliness and passenger satisfaction).
Get insights on ridership and trip efficiencies, and route-based business performance.
Track and optimize the fuel or energy efficiency of vehicles (eco-driving), to drivers' skills development towards reducing operational costs and environmental impact, helping improve competencies & career outlook.
Business Intelligence-based Fleet Management and Eco-Driving Monitoring System
Streamline the monitoring/measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) of organizational/facility performance, financial health, and contributions to city-level transport plans.
Generate and view government/banks-ready reports. Capture monthly human resources, financials, and service data.
Evaluate the performance and support-level health of cooperatives to assess creditworthiness, eligibility for incentives, and overall sustainability.
MRV System for Government and Financial Institutions
Develop and implement Living Labs like Service Contracting or Subsidies/ Incentives Programs with better data and service quality validation tools & processes.
Tamper-proof the reward transactions and incentive distribution process using smart contracts on a blockchain, based on predefined service quality criteria.
Monitor and validate trips and performance and compliance using our telematics and/or mobile app.
Platform for Smart Contracts for Service Contracting Program
Research Agenda
The research component of the Parasol Project will focus on the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) in metropolitan areas such as NCR, Iloilo City, Naga City, and Puerto Princesa City. It will examine key aspects like network- and area-based route service planning and franchising, fleet management, quality-based service contracting, eco-driving, financial linkages to climate finance, and the socio-economic impacts on PUV drivers, with special attention to workforce training in eco-driving and just transition strategies to ensure minimal disruption.
These activities aim to improve communication, service quality, and the well-being of commuters while promoting the efficient use of modernized fleets. The research will also integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards while examining how technological and operational strategies can support sustainable transport. By demonstrating service contracting models and incentives, the project aims to enhance transport systems' operational efficiency and ensure long-term financial sustainability for the transition to cleaner, greener public transport.
Supporting Public Transport Modernization Adopters
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.
Sustainability: If PT becomes an attractive option, fewer people will rely on private cars, reducing road congestion and emissions.
Investment Potential: Focusing on PT infrastructure like terminals and digital fleet management systems increases the growth potential of transport entities (TSCs).
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.
Are you a Transit Provider or Financer or Transit Authority/Planner? Partner with us!
We have the tools and are introducing new technologies to digitally transform transport planning and operations.