Background

Metro Manila, Philippines, faces one of the most severe traffic congestion problems globally. EDSA, the city's main thoroughfare, is notorious for its gridlock, with average speeds dropping below 21 km/h during rush hours. Commuters lose up to 117 hours annually due to traffic, contributing to 304 kg of CO₂ emissions per car.

Despite efforts like the EDSA Carousel Busway Project, public transport ridership has declined since 2022, while private vehicle usage has surged. In 2023, EDSA carried 407,342 vehicles daily, far exceeding its 288,000-vehicle capacity.

Challenge

The core issue is the imbalance between public transport accessibility and private vehicle convenience. Commuters increasingly prefer driving due to:

• Inadequate last-mile connectivity
• Overcrowded or inaccessible public transport hubs
• Lack of real-time information and reservation systems

Solution: CircleMove™ Park & Ride Model

AB Circle introduced CircleMove™, a white-label payment and mobility platform designed to integrate various stakeholders in the transport ecosystem. The Park & Ride (P+R) model aims to:

• Reduce city center traffic
• Improve commuter convenience
• Enable seamless multimodal transport transitions

Key Features

1. White-label passenger app:

   • Real-time parking availability
   • Reservation system with filters (EV charger, PWD access)
   • Integrated fare estimation for carpool, shuttle, bus, and rail

2. End-to-End Payment Ecosystem:

   • Supports smart card, QR, EMV, and cash payments
   • Includes ticket validators, retail payment apps, and reconciliation systems

3. Collaborative Ecosystem:

   • Connects mall operators (parking providers), shuttle services, carpool operators, and public transport hubs
   • Enables business management and data analytics for partners

Implementation Model

Commuters use the CircleMove™ app to:

• Reserve parking at suburban lots
• Book shuttle or bus rides to city centers
• Pay for services in one transaction

Partners like malls and shuttle operators benefit from increased foot traffic and revenue, while public transport operators see improved ridership and reduced congestion.

Impact & Benefits

For Commuters

• VIP parking with incentives
• Reduced travel time and fuel costs
• Enhanced satisfaction and convenience

For Businesses

• Increased customer footfall
• New revenue streams
• Differentiated service offerings

For Shuttle & PTOs

• Expanded service coverage
• Higher ridership and revenue
• Improved access for remote commuters

For Society

• Lower pollution and CO₂ emissions
• Increased productivity
• Efficient land use in urban centers

Conclusion

CircleMove™ Park & Ride Solution presents a scalable, tech-driven approach to urban mobility challenges. By integrating payment systems, real-time data, and collaborative partnerships, AB Circle is reshaping how cities like Manila can combat congestion and improve commuter experience.