MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has started accepting applications for the issuance of new franchise for e-jeepneys.
The LTFRB said the first to file was Global Electric Transportation Services Cooperative. It is securing a franchise to operate Comet Electric Jeepneys.
Global's route would start from SM North Edsa and traversing Mindanao Ave., Congressional Ave., Luzon Ave., Katipunan Ave., up to Aurora Boulevard, and vice-versa.
"We support the Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) modernization program and had been authorized to accept new franchise applications for e-jeeps," LTFRB chairman WInston Ginez said.
Ginez, together with DOTC secretary Jun Abaya, on Wednesday inspected the proposed authorized routes of Comet e-jeepneys.
"Kami ay naniniwala na ang mga environment-friendly na e-jeepneys ang sagot upang mabawasan ang mga luma at mauusok na public utility vehicles (PUVs) sa ating mga lansangan," Ginez said.
The modern e-jeeps are equipped with new features including cashless payment system using reloadable cards, fixed stops, Global Positioning System (GPS), provision of wi-fi connectivity, side entrance for easier boarding, and CCTV cameras to enhance passenger safety, among others.
The Board is mandated to hear and rule on the petition for issuance of new certificates of public convenience (CPC) for e-Jeepney.
The introduction of e-jeepneys on major roads is also in line with the Board’s implementation of age limit policy for PUVs.
"We hope that this program will usher the replacement of smoke-belching and poorly-maintained jeeps with high-tech, efficient, and environmentally-friendly e-jeepneys," Ginez said.