By Aerol John Pateña/PNA
MANILA — Electric jeepneys on Friday began operating from Makati City to Mandaluyong City.
The Manila Electric Company’s (MERALCO) electric vehicle unit, “eSakay Inc.”, deployed an initial fleet of 15 e-jeepneys along the Buendia-MRT route to Mandaluyong City via Jupiter St., in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the local government units (LGUs) of Makati and Mandaluyong.
“These e-jeepneys are Euro 4-compliant, making them eco-friendly and emission-free as they are run by electricity. Each vehicle is also compliant with the PUVMP (Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program) featuring a side entrance, Automated Fare Collection System, GPS tracking system, and CCTV cameras,” the DOTr said in a statement.
They also have priority seats for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), as well as on board Wi-Fi and USB ports for passenger convenience and comfort.
Each e-jeepney can carry up to 40 passengers and a fully-charged unit can run up to 100 km. at a maximum speed of 60 km. per hour.
The Makati-Mandaluyong eSakay developmental route is operational from 5 a.m. to midnight with fares ranging from PHP9 to PHP15.
Likewise, eSakay drivers and operators are assured of stable and sufficient livelihood through the PUVMP.
“The DOTr will look into providing subsidies and incentives to the use of electric vehicles to further promote its use,” DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport Mark de Leon told reporters.
Meanwhile, eSakay said it has worked with the Makati and Mandaluyong LGUs to conduct community-based hiring for the route and also had successful discussions with transport associations in the area.
“This project is just one of many steps in our efforts to spur EV (electric vehicle) adoption, as we work towards a common goal of nation-building, sustainable growth and inclusive development. With this route, we at eSakay, hope to prove the viability of electric vehicles and inspire other operators to follow suit,” eSakay president and chief executive officer Raymond Ravelo said.
Additional e-jeepneys along the Makati-Mandaluyong route may be deployed depending on passenger demand, according to the DOTr.
The PUVMP aims to replace jeepney units that are 15 years old with Euro 4 engines or electrically-powered engines with solar panels for roofs.
These modern jeepneys will also be equipped with closed-circuit television cameras, a GPS navigation system, an Automatic Fare Collection System, speed limiters, dashboard cameras, and Wi-Fi.
