E-jeepneys seek franchise in QC

MANILA, Philippines—The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has started to accept applications for the issuance of new franchises for e-jeepneys.

In a statement, LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez said the board’s thrust favoring the use of e-jeepneys was in accordance with the Department of Transportation and Communications’ modernization program.

Leading the applicants this year is Global Electric Transportation (GET) Services Cooperative, operator of the Comet, the smoke-free passenger vehicle unveiled during the visit of US President Barack Obama in April last year.

GET is applying for a franchise for the route from SM North Edsa to Aurora Boulevard via Mindanao, Congressional, Luzon and Katipunan avenues. Comet e-jeepneys utilize a cashless payment system using reloadable cards and are equipped with global positioning system, Wi-Fi connections, and security cameras, among others, the LTFRB noted. Jaymee T. Gamil