History of Green SM in Indonesia, the Electric Taxi in the Spotlight Following the KRL Accident in East Bekasi

An incident involving a collision between the KRL Commuter Line and the KA Argo Bromo at Bekasi Timur Station has suddenly thrust the name Green SM into the public spotlight. This green-coloured electric taxi is said to have been involved in the initial sequence of events that caused the KRL to stop on the track, ultimately leading to it being struck by another train.

In circulating footage, a Green SM taxi can be seen on the railway crossing and then hit by the KRL Commuter Line. This event is suspected to be one of the factors that halted the KRL’s journey.

While stopped on the crossing, the KRL was then rear-ended by the KA Argo Bromo. As the incident went viral, the public began seeking more information about Green SM, including the company’s history and how it came to operate in Indonesia.

History of Green SM in Indonesia

According to its official website, Green SM is part of Green and Smart Mobility (GSM), a transportation company based on electric vehicles founded by Pham Nhat Vuong, the leader of Vietnam’s Vingroup.

On 6 March 2023, Pham Nhat Vuong announced the launch of GSM as a company focused on renting eco-friendly and smart vehicles. GSM is described as a pioneer in developing multi-platform electric vehicles.

The company operates two main services: electric car bookings and rentals of electric cars and motorbikes. In its initial development phase, GSM has prepared investments for up to 20,000 electric cars and 60,000 electric motorbikes.

In addition to providing transportation services, GSM also rents electric vehicles to other companies as part of building an eco-friendly mobility ecosystem.

The company’s mission is to encourage the use of electric vehicles in society and introduce more sustainable transportation concepts. This effort is also supported by the development of VinFast electric vehicles, which form part of Vingroup’s business ecosystem.

GSM’s current operations are supported by a team of more than 80,000 employees.

Expansion to Indonesia

After growing in Vietnam, Green SM began expanding to other Southeast Asian countries, including Laos and Indonesia. PT Xanh SM Green and Smart Mobility (GSM) officially launched its electric taxi service, Xanh SM, in Indonesia in 2024.