CHANGE HAS COME A fleet of modernized jeeps is set to take over Metro roads with more coming before the end of the year.—MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
Around 200 modern passenger jeepneys—which look more like mini or shuttle buses—were deployed by the Department of Transportation on Friday as part of government efforts to roll out 2,000 new public utility vehicles before the end of the year.
The new “Kings of the Road,” which will ply various routes in Manila, Pasig, Makati and Taguig, will charge a minimum fare of P10 for the first four kilometers and P2 for every succeeding kilometer.
Transport Undersecretary Thomas Orbos said that operators could request a minimum fare hike of P1 as part of their incentive for upgrading to Euro-4 compliant or electric jeepneys.
But at the same time, he said they might not need it as the new jeepneys were more efficient in terms of cost and fuel and could ferry more passengers, thus ensuring them a bigger income.
More to come
Four more routes in Quezon, Manila, Mandaluyong and Makati cities are expected to be opened to the modernized jeepneys later this year, said LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada.
Most of the vehicles were manufactured by Mahindra Corp., Isuzu and Suzuki.
Based on the standards set by the UN Economic Commission for Europe, the Department of Trade and Industry classifies them into four classes depending on their capacity:
Class 1 jeepneys can carry nine to 22 passengers, while Classes 2 and 3 both have a capacity of 22 passengers but the former can accommodate standing passengers.
Class 4 can ferry over 22 seated passengers with room for cargo.