CAGAYAN de Oro City — Commuters in Cagayan de Oro may soon have another taxi option as Green GSM’s electric vehicles begin a six-month test run in the city. 

The test operation is intended to help authorities assess the new taxi service, including its routes and passenger trips, according to Cagayan de Oro Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) head Doy Ramiro. 

Ramiro said the test cannot be properly conducted without passengers riding the taxis.

The city is also working with Green GSM to clarify technical details, including the vehicles’ routes and mapping, so passengers will know where the taxis can take them. 

The development marks a change from an earlier arrangement in which Green GSM vehicles seen in Cagayan de Oro were described by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-10 as being in the city only for reflection and mapping purposes and not authorized to operate as public utility vehicles. 

LTFRB-10 Assistant Regional Director Mohammad Hajam Sarip told the City Council on Sept. 14 that the vehicles were not then authorized to pick up passengers in the city. 

What commuters can expect 

Green GSM uses all-electric VinFast vehicles and promotes rides with zero tailpipe emissions and quieter operation. The company is also offering its services through a mobile app. 

The company’s operations are not limited to Cagayan de Oro. Green GSM executives told Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy on Sept. 22 that their franchise covers Northern Mindanao, although only a limited number of units were operating in the city at that time. 

For commuters, the six-month test period means the service is moving into an actual passenger-testing phase, but the final operating arrangements are still being worked out. 

What happens to traditional taxi drivers? 

The entry of Green GSM has raised concerns among Cagayan de Oro’s traditional taxi drivers and operators, who fear that competition from the new service could affect their livelihood. 

Mayor Uy met with representatives of traditional taxi groups and Green GSM on Sept. 22 to hear their concerns. Green GSM representatives said their operations cover the entire region rather than being concentrated only in Cagayan de Oro. The groups are expected to continue discussions. 

The city government has also said any full operation of Green GSM must comply with applicable local permits, taxes and other requirements. 

What commuters should know now 

Yes, Green GSM EV taxis are now entering a six-month test period in Cagayan de Oro. 

But the service is still being evaluated, and route and technical details are being finalized. 

For commuters, the key questions are how widely the taxis will operate, where they can pick up passengers, how routes will be mapped and what rules will apply after the test period. 

Green GSM already operates an official booking app and is promoting its electric taxi service in the Philippines.