First electric PUVs with franchise ply Makati

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted franchises for the country’s first batch of privately owned, electric-powered public utility vehicles (PUVs) in line with state efforts to cut carbon emissions.

The LTFRB said the new electric-powered jeepneys also promise lower fares for commuters since the country’s electricity rates are relatively more stable than oil prices.

LTFRB Board Member Manuel Iway on Tuesday announced that the regulating body had issued certificates of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for 20 electric jeepneys operating on two routes in Makati City. The franchises were granted on February 8.

“This is the first time we’re giving franchises to electric vehicles,” Iway said. The jeepneys, owned by E-Jeepney Transport Corp., have been assigned routes around Legaspi and Salcedo Villages in the city’s central business district.

“We have not discussed the rates yet. At the moment, they will be allowed to charge regular jeepney rates,” Iway explained. Diesel-engine jeepneys are currently allowed to charge a minimum fare of P8 for the first four kilometers, plus P1.40 for every succeeding kilometer.

“By the end of this month, we will announce the rates for e-jeepneys,” Iway said, adding that these rates would “definitely be lower” than regular jeepney fares.

The franchises were given despite a standing moratorium on new licenses for PUVs in Metro Manila, which was implemented to ease traffic congestion in the capital.