MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Sunday gave a first glimpse of the Class 1 modern public utility vehicle (PUV), manufactured solely for the government’s PUV modernization program.
Photos shared by the DOTr on Facebook show the prototype of the Toyota Hilux Class 1 modern PUV unit, which the agency said, costs P998,000.
The DOTr said the air-conditioned 12-seater unit, which is Euro 4-powered, has a CCTV camera, Global Positioning System, and a dashboard camera. It is also persons with disability (PWD)-friendly.
It also passed PUV modernization requirements of the DOTr Omnibus Franchise Guidelines as well as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the agency noted.
Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade conducted a test run of the vehicle along with other officials of the DOTr and Toyota Motor Philippines Inc.
“Modernization is not expensive, provided that you make the right choice. There is always a cheaper alternative,” Tugade said in a statement.
He expects that the said units will be rolled out soon as this is in line with the Duterte government’s PUV modernization program. /je