Tacloban to start e-PUV transport system

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The Tacloban City government is set to formally launch on December 15 the operation of 45 units of electric public utility vehicles (e-PUVs), as initiated by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Tacloban City's media Information chief Bernardetta Valenzuela told The Philippine Star and The Freeman that the modern design of these PUVs make them more efficient and safer compared to the old and dilapidated jeepneys.

"The city government of Tacloban is grateful for this rare opportunity of being the first city in the country to have the e-PUVs. This will serve the 8,000 Yolanda survivors now residing at permanent housing villages in Tacloban," Valenzuela said.

The e-PUVs will be available to jeepney operators and single owners via a financing plan that will be introduced later, amounting to P1.6 million, using their old jeepneys as downpayment with the balance payable within seven years at six percent interest per year.

"The leadership of Mayor Cristina Romualdez  cannot do otherwise but to make transportation in the city very much available to public" Valenzuela added.

Land Transportation Franchansing and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regional director Renwick Rotaguio said he can convince PUVs operators and representatives from the different sector in Eastern Visayas to support the drivers of these economical vehicles by providing them regular salaries and benefits.

"This may also lessen the traffic problem now hounding the entire city of Tacloban and other places in the region, and will make realize that the modernization of PUVs has a lot to benefits for operators and the public," he added. (FREEMAN)