DOTr to roll out more than 500 e-jeepneys in January
In this file photo, a jeepney driver protests the government program to phase out jeepneys during a rally last September near the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board main office in Quezon City. The STAR / Michael Varcas
MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Transportation on Tuesday said more than 500 electric jeepneys, eyed as replacement for old jeepneys, are set to operate this month.
DOTr Undersecretary for Roads Thomas Orbos said the e-jeepneys would be on the road not just in Metro Manila but also nationwide.
“What we’re looking at is that they come out this year, they come out this month. You will still have the old jeepneys [but] let the people decide,” Orbos said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source.
Earlier, Orbos said the transportation department will remove jeepneys that are at least 15 years old from streets in the first week of January. The move is part of the government’s transport modernization program and the start of the three-year transition period.
READ: Jeepney phaseout begins January 2018
DOTr said they cannot keep all old jeepneys off the roads immediately, hence the transition period.
The old jeepneys will be replaced by solar and electric-powered jeepneys, which are also environment-friendly. Some of the replacement jeeps might also powered by engines that run on fossil fuel but will be compliant with Euro 4 emissions standards.
Orbos added that e-jeepneys would operate for the convenience and safety of the riding public.
Among the features of convenience mentioned by Orbos are free wi-fi, CCTV cameras, automated fare collection, airconditioning for some units, speed limiters, and its solar or electric powered engine.
“Basically it's more comfortable, PWD-ready,” Orbosa added.
The transport official said fares on the e-jeepneys have yet to be detemined but he added that based on the agency’s studies, the newer jeepneys will be able to carry more passengers, which would mean savings for drivers.
Orbos said they are also eyeing on “more rationalized” routes for e-jeepney to avoid traffic congestion.
Major transport groups staged several strikes last year to oppose the phase out of old jeepney units, saying the program benefits transportation firms and cooperatives and not operators and drivers who may not be able to afford to replace their jeepneys.
The government has promised financial assistance to jeepney drivers and operators.
- Latest
- Trending
