FOUR battery-powered shuttles are now available for free rides for those who would want to tour within the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

In a simple launching of the so-called “Green and Go Shuttle”, the 14-seater shuttles will start roaming the streets at the Araneta Center carrying passengers to and from the Gateway mall and Ali Mall and other shopping malls around the center.

The event was attended by local officials, beauty pageants, and some superstars in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The Araneta Center is where the PBA’s Big Dome is located.

“Like everything else in Araneta Center, the comfort and convenience of our patrons come first,” said Rene de la Cruz, chief operating officer of the Araneta Group.

Just like in Makati City and at the Eco-Park in Quezon City where battery/electric-powered vehicles were being promoted to carry passengers, De la Cruz said the Araneta Group has envisioned an Araneta Center that would soon be freed from fuel-operated vehicles.

“The Green and Go Shuttle…guarantees no environmentally harmful emissions unlike fuel-operated vehicles [for] it does not release damaging particles, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, or various oxides of nitrogen, elements that contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer and pose health risks to humans,” he said.

De la Cruz said the launching also coincides with the launching of the “Oplan Araneta Center” that promotes environment preservation, greening and recycling programs that would make the premier shopping and entertainment hub more eco-friendly.

“Along with the concern for environment, the value of discipline, order and community involvement is also being instilled by Oplan Araneta Center through garbage segregation and clean-up drives,” he said.

The group’s mission and vision is also in line with the local government unit’s “Green City” program.

“Green Walls” have also been constructed in different areas of Gateway mall and Ali Mall to encourage the public to participate in cleaning the environment.