Senate transport coop gets initial 15 units in rollout of modern PUJs
The government on Tuesday rolled out the first batch of modernized public utility jeepneys (PUJs) under its PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).
Isuzu Philippines Corp., led by its president Hajime Koso, turned over the initial 15 modernized jeepneys to be used for the government PUVMP.
The modernized PUVs, assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 platform and the rear body designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corp., are air-conditioned Class 2 PUVs with a side-facing seat configuration. The Isuzu QKR platform is assembled in the Philippines and is equipped with Euro IV-compliant 4JH1-TC Diesel Engine that delivers excellent fuel economy.
The new PUV body is compliant with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017). The passenger cabin floor-to-ceiling height and gangway width are 1,780 mm and 830 mm, respectively, providing more space for passengers to move easily inside. The passenger door is safely situated on the right-hand side, facing the sidewalk. Other design features of the body include panoramic windows and windshields, full-body insulation with GeneQ shield, automatic door closer, and provisions for persons with disabilities.
It was a combined initiative of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Land Transportation Franchising and the Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO).
The first 15 of the total 35 modern PUJ units will ply various routes along Metro Manila, which include: Star City/CCP to PICC, and GSIS/ Senate to MOA to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and back.
The official turnover of the certificate of the approved route was also handed to SETSCO.
Composed of 22 operators, SETSCO was among the three pre-selected cooperatives that would participate in the initial implementation of the PUV Modernization Program. Electric jeepneys are also being considered in future projects.
The Office of Transport Cooperatives did the pre-selection based on the cooperative’s good standing, financial capability and established management structure.
SETSCO is the second cooperative to have been granted a franchise to operate following its compliance to the program. It was also able to obtain a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
The remaining 20 modern PUJs for the given Pasay routes are targeted to be out by July.
The DOTr and the LTFRB are also working double time to process the applications of more than 1,000 new jeepneys.
Around 100-200 more are expected to be on the road by the first half of July 2018.
Completing the modernized look and features of the new PUVs are the LED TV monitors for real-time information including station details, route, date, time, weather, news, and advertisement, LED electronic signages for vehicle route information, fire extinguishers, CCTV, dashcam and back-up cameras, and the automatic fare collection – all geared for passengers' safety, entertainment, and added convenience in fare collection.
The new PUVs warranty coverages for cab and chassis is 3 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first and separate warranty for body, aircon and accessories, options not available for old jeepneys.
"This is truly a landmark event for the PUV modernization program of the Philippine government and Isuzu Philippines Corporation's active participation in this timely project. The fruitful collaboration between IPC and the wholly Filipino-owned Almazora Motors Corp. ensures that our commuters ride only in world-class public utility vehicles that also take into careful consideration passenger safety, comfort, and the particular locality's needs," IPC President Hajime Koso explained.
"The formal turnover today at the honorable institution of the Senate of the Philippines, only means that we are starting the PUVMP program not just in the right foot, but in the best way possible, as our modernized jeepneys will provide safe, convenient, reliable and comfortable transport services to the people who render public service on their part," he added.
Isuzu Philippines Corp., which has been operating since 1995, has been known to produce durable and reliable trucks, light commercial and commercial vehicles that are perfectly suited for local driving conditions. In a span of over two decades, the company has established a strong network of dealers that have provided excellent after sales service and parts.