E-jeepneys to ply Senate loop starting today

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will roll out today electric-powered jeepneys that will ply the Senate compound loop in Pasay City.

The Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO) said they would deploy an initial 15 e-jeepneys, which are compliant with the administration’s public utility vehicle modernization program. 

The e-jeepney will ply the routes of Star City, Philippine International Convention Center, Government Service Insurance System, the Senate and Mall of Asia.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said SETSCO is the first of the three cooperatives that were given the go-signal by the government to roll out modernized jeeps in the National Capital Region.

Composed of 22 operators, SETSCO was recommended by the Office of the Transport Cooperative (OTC) for a franchise based on its good standing, financial capability and established management structure.

It is the second cooperative granted a franchise by the LTFRB, next to those handed out in Tacloban earlier this year. 

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said they are set on modernizing the sector despite opposition from some groups.

Expected to join the launching are DOTR Undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure Thomas Orbos, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, Senate President Vicente Sotto, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri as well as Senators Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Sherwin Gatchalian. – Louella Desiderio, Ghio Ong