MANmagazine Bus edition 2/2016 International

2/<strong>2016</strong> Manila’s new comfort zone NOT EXACTLY CONSIDERED a true pioneer in matters of public transport, the capital of the Philippines is a mega metropolis with millions of individual drivers, yet few roads and often out-dated means of public conveyance. As of this year, however, there is a redeeming development in Manila’s traffic chaos: Ten yellow buses based on an MAN body, which transport the commuters and residents comfortably and directly to their destinations. The Philippine government intends to improve public transport in its capital with these new non-stop connections. Passengers on these direct lines can travel not only quickly, but also conveniently, as the utilised buses meet highly modern standards. They were especially developed by MAN Truck & <strong>Bus</strong> Asia Pacific and the local importer, MACC, with the new Low Entry <strong>Bus</strong>, based on an MAN chassis and built by Philippine coachwork specialist Almazora, being introduced in late 2015. The vehicles feature Euro 4 or Euro 5 engines, as well as automatic transmissions. A so-called kneeling functionality ensures that passengers can comfortably step in or disembark due to lowering the bus. Attention was also paid to people with reduced mobility, for these city buses offer folding ramps and a reserved wheelchair area. The Philippine-based company Fröhlich Tours operates the new buses in Manila. CEO Christopher Bauer feels entirely confident about MAN: “We have strong and long-lasting ties to the NEOPLAN brand, which have decidedly influenced why we once again chose products made by MAN. I also wish to add NEOPLAN buses to my fleet in future.” 06 Direct line: Operated by Fröhlich Tours, the Low Entry <strong>Bus</strong>es, based on an MAN chassis, are touring through Manila on a non-stop schedule. © MAN 07