MAKATI CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA)—In support to the government’s PUV Modernization Program, the Manila Electric Cooperative’s (Meralco) electric vehicles unit 'eSakay Inc.' launched a fleet of e-jeepneys.
Fifteen units of euro four-compliant electric jeepneys were initially deployed to ply the MRT Buendia in Makati to Mandaluyong City Hall via Jupiter Street.
The e-jeepneys are equipped with GPS, Wi-Fi, CCTVs, automated fare collections system, and USB charging ports. The e-vehicles have a charging time of eight to 10 hours and can travel up to 100 kilometers at a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour.
Present during the launch were Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Paul Yebra, DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark de Leon, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III, LTFRB NCR Director Zona Tamayo, Meralco Chairman of the Board Manuel V. Pangilinan, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, and other officials.
De Leon who represented DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade during the event, expressed gratitude to the private sector for putting capital and technology in modernizing the country’s transportation system.
“This is the result of our collective effort in pushing for modernization. The project will not be successful with the effort of one sector alone. All of us should come together for the benefit of the riding public,” de Leon said.
The deployment of the e-jeepneys is anticipated to pave the way for the adoption of electric vehicles in public transport.
De Leon added that the DOTr will look into the possibility of providing subsidies and incentives to drivers who would like to use electric vehicles to further promote its use.
The electric jeepneys will be operating from 5 a.m. to 12 midnight. The minimum fare is P9.00 for the first four kilometers and P15.00 for an end-to-end trip. (PIA-NCR)
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