Metro Manila has a new kind of taxi on the road, and you’ll spot them right away. Painted in a bright teal hue, the all-electric Green GSM taxis are now cruising around the metro, following the official launch of the Green GSM ride-hailing service on 10 June.

Even before the launch, the Green GSM app shot straight to the top of the Travel & Local category on the Google Play Store Philippines. In just the first two days, it racked up tens of thousands of downloads, a strong sign that many Metro Manila residents are eager for cleaner and more modern commuting options.

The service is run by Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM), a player in the electric vehicle space that’s now making a big entrance into the Philippines. Their mission is to make eco-friendly travel accessible and mainstream in Southeast Asia.

All units in the Green GSM fleet are electric VinFast Nerio Green cars. These EVs come with what GSM calls the Secure to Safe (S2S) system, a safety monitoring feature designed with vulnerable passengers in mind, like women, children and senior citizens.

Apart from the tech that powers the vehicles, it’s the smooth, silent ride that’s getting the attention. Emission-free and modern-looking, the VinFast taxis stand in sharp contrast to the usual noisy and gas-powered competition. It’s no surprise that both drivers and passengers are sharing positive feedback, which could be a signal for a possible shift in commuting preferences in Metro Manila.

“Green GSM is more than just an electric taxi service; it represents a green mobility revolution in the Philippines,” Nguyen Van Thanh, GSM Global CEO, said. “Leading the app charts from day one clearly shows the community’s preference for clean, safe, and advanced transport solutions. We are committed to continuous innovation, improving service quality, and expanding our electric vehicle network to help build a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation ecosystem that best serves the people.”

The app itself is simple to use. Riders can book trips, track their ride in real time, and see clear pricing from the start. Each car has a fare meter, and the same rates are reflected in the app — no guessing, no surprises.

To encourage more riders to give it a try, Green GSM is running a promo for new users: 500 Green Points (worth P500) that can be used as discounts for the first seven rides. The offer runs until 31 August 2025.

Green GSM’s arrival is part of GSM’s broader “Go Green Global” strategy, which aims to build transport systems that are not just smarter but also more eco-conscious and socially responsible. The company has similar efforts across Southeast Asia, but this marks its biggest step yet into the Philippine market.

With our almost daily experience of constantly dealing with traffic, pollution and outdated transport systems, Green GSM brings something different to the table. It may just be the kind of change that Metro Manila commuters didn’t know they were waiting for.