HARI’s modern jeepney gets DOTr certification

MANILA, Philippines — The official distributor of Hyundai trucks and buses in the country has been granted th certificate of compliance (COC) from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the HD50S Class 3 modern jeepney.

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) said  it received the COC for the HD50S Class 3 modern jeepney, which can accommodate 22 seated passengers and 10 standing commuters.

Launched in February, the HD50S Class 3 modern jeepney  is powered by a 2.9-liter euro 4-compliant CRDi engine, promising better fuel efficiency, reliability, and cleaner emissions.

The vehicle is equipped with roof-mounted air conditioning, automated fare collection system, Wi-Fi, GPS tracking, CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras, seven-inch monitor, and a speed limiter.

With the latest certification, HARI is the first in the country to have a full lineup of modern jeepneys that meet standards set by the government for its public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

Last year, HARI’s Hyundai H-100 Class 1 and Hyundai HD50S Class 2 secured COC from the DOTr.

Through the PUV modernization program, the government aims to promote the use of environment-friendly and more efficient public transport systems by replacing old jeepney units with modern ones which have euro 4-compliant diesel engines or electric motors.

HARI president and chief executive officer Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the need to modernize country’s public transport system.

“Using our modern jeepney platforms, we were the first to roll out Ligtas Biyahe (COVID-ready) variants that were utilized and proven effective in the government’s Libreng Sakay for frontliners. We need to reach a critical mass so we can keep the majority, if not all, of the riding public safe and secure,” she said

HARI’s COVID-ready vehicles feature contactless payments, social distancing with individualized seating, and plastic dividers.

“Filipinos require more mass mobility options to get to their workplaces, get essentials, and to reach out to their families in these trying times. Gradually and with stricter protocols, public transport capacity must be increased to revive the economy. We strongly believe that Hyundai modern jeepneys can be part of that solution,” Agudo said.