CEBU CITY — Free Wi-Fi on jeepneys and washrooms and karaoke on buses.
These were just among the major improvements rolled out in the wake of moves by the government to modernize the country’s mass transportation system.
The modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) will be part of the integrated intermodal transport system for Cebu province, which will include a bus rapid transit system, a monorail and a cable car, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino said here on Friday.
“The nationwide rollout may have been delayed because of several protests from existing operators and drivers who were, as expected, resistant to change,” Dino said.
“But because of political will, the [Duterte] administration has made it a point to consider all aspects that might be affected by this PUV modernization, and has been addressing the fears of operators and drivers,” he said.
According to Dino, the government is also addressing the concerns of possible displaced drivers in the modernization program.
‘Tsuper Iskolar’
He said a Tsuper Iskolar program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority would provide training and livelihood to drivers and conductors who did not wish to continue with the modernization program.
The buses have their own washroom with soap and toilet paper and clean water. Each passenger has her or his own personal mobile phone charging station and free overhead baggage compartment.
During traffic congestion, passengers can request for a microphone to belt out songs from a karaoke using the several television monitors on the bus.
The buses also have wide legroom and are fully airconditioned. Their security features include GPS and closed circuit television cameras which can be readily reviewed in case of lost items or accidents.
Wi-Fi will also be installed and passengers can pay the fare through cash or beep cards.
Premium fare
But a modernized unit comes with a cost.
A premium bus has a minimum fare of P25 and up to P70 depending on the destination. A jeepney, on other hand, is powered by solar panels from its roof.
During cloudy skies or night time, the jeepney can be recharged with electricity. It has zero emission and is considered a “green vehicle.”
The jeepney is also equipped with free Wi-Fi and has several USB slots where passengers can charge their mobile phones. Electric fans are available and passengers can also watch television.
Passengers also have the option to pay cash or use beep cards.
Electronic payment
Taxis, on the other hand, are equipped with electronic payment systems, CCTV, free Wi-Fi and GPS for security.
Initially, the buses ply the routes from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Cebu Business Park, IT Park, Mandaue City and Barangay Marigondon in Lapu-Lapu City.
The other route is from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to Danao City in the north. The southern route is from Cebu City to Sibonga town.