The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has deployed the first batch of modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) that will soon be accessible to commuters.
The modern jeepneys have three classifications – Class 1, which can carry 9 to 22 passengers including the driver; Class 2, which can seat 22 passengers and additional standing passengers; and Class 3, which can seat more than 22 passengers.
The modern jeepneys are environmental-friendly and pass the product standards set by Bureau of Standards. They have side doors instead of rear doors, and a higher ceiling that allows for standing passengers. The jeepneys also have emergency exits and seats allotted specifically for persons with disability (PWD).
Some of the units also have additional features and services including WiFi, GPS, CCTVs, dash camera, speed limiter, and automatic fare collection system.
DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Tim Orbos said that passengers no longer need to suffer from dangerous smoke released by old jeepney units.
“Tinitiis ng mga mananakay ang mausok, hindi ligtas, at sira-sirang jeepney dahil yun na ang nakasanayan. Hindi pwede yun. Trabaho ng gobyerno na ibigay sa publiko ang nararapat,” Orbos said.
Under the PUV Modernization Program, transport secretary Arthur Tugade seeks to replace all public utility vehicles aged 15 years or older and replace them with the modern jeepneys.
