The UBE Express terminal in Robinsons Galleria, right behind the EDSA Shrine. .
The latest partnership between Robinsons Malls and UBE Express was launched with much fanfare at Robinsons Galleria, with officers from UBE Express and Robinsons Malls in attendance, and also graced by top officials from the Department of Transportation, Department of Tourism, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and Metro Manila Development Authority.
Unveiled exactly 99 days before Christmas, the launch was dubbed “Pamaskong Handog para sa mga OFW” as it is expected to ease the burden of traveling for many Filipino workers, especially those coming directly from the POEA building across the street. Located behind the EDSA Shrine, the UBE Express Robinsons Galleria terminal was gaily decorated for the launch with star-shaped lanterns, while guests enjoyed snacks of kakanin and bibingka served with hot chocolate and coffee.
Businessman Alberto Lina, the owner of UBE Express, started his opening remarks by thanking Robinsons Malls, “our partner ever since,” referring to how Robinsons Malls and UBE Express partnered previously to produce the Robinsons Place Manila to NAIA P2P route, a first in the industry. The founder of the Air 21 group concluded by saying, “Our advocacy is those who have less in life, must have more of the roads. We are here to help with these facilities for them.”
There's plenty of legroom and luggage space, plus, the buses are PWD-friendly.
Following the blessing of the parked buses, UBE Express General Manager Garrie David and Darwin S. Renolayan, special projects director of Robinsons Malls, spoke about some of the new P2P route’s bus features as well as the convenience it will bring to residents and office workers in the Ortigas area. “It will be very helpful,” said Renolayan, mentioning that the service will also be useful to the staff of the POEA and DFA who frequently shuttle between their offices and the airport. “They don’t have to bring their cars anymore, they can just hop on and hop off with the UBE Express buses.” This view was later echoed by Jocelyn Rey, a director of POEA, who shared that this project will really help a lot of OFWs who usually head straight to the airport after visiting the nearby POEA office.
Unlike regular buses, this one has comfortable, ergonomically designed seats for 37 people.
Speaking on behalf of Sec. Arthur Tugade and Usec. Tim Orbos of DOTr, Assistant Secretary Manny Gonzales also praised the collaboration between Robinsons and UBE Express, noting how the buses passed the specifications for modernized buses set by the DOTr. Another government official, Director Neomie T. Recio of the MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office, said that the number one problem in Metro Manila is traffic congestion, so the addition of a new P2P route was welcome news, not to mention safe and efficient.
Depending on the traffic situation, the estimated travel time from Robinsons Galleria and the Airport complex (and vice-versa) on the UBE Express is between one hour and one hour and forty-five minutes, with a fixed rate of P70.00. Senior citizens, students, and PWDs can avail themselves of the customary discounts. Each bus has a seating capacity of 37, with plenty of luggage space and on-board Wi-Fi. Flight schedules are also updated constantly and flashed on a screen onboard.
Besides using the app, more information on UBE Express and its shuttle schedules can be found on www.ubeexpress.com