Leading Commercial Vehicle Manufacturer Isuzu officially turned over today the initial 15 modernized Jeepneys to the Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO) as part of government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
SETSCO, which has shown to comply with the requirements prescribed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has been run by Senate employees since 2004 and now has joint ownership of 35 franchises granted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The pre-selection was made by the Office of the Transport Cooperative (OTC), whose recommendation was based on the cooperative’s good standing, financial capability, and its established management structure. SETSCO is by far the second cooperative to have been granted a franchise to operate due to its compliance to the PUVMP. It was able to obtain a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines.
The modernized PUVs, which is assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 platform and the rear body designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corp, are air-conditioned Class 2 PUVs with a side-facing seat configuration. The Isuzu QKR platform is assembled in the Philippines and is equipped with Euro IV-compliant 4JH1-TC Diesel Engine that delivers excellent fuel economy.
What can we expect from the new Jeepney? The new PUV body is compliant with Philippine National Standards. The passenger cabin floor-to-ceiling height and gangway width are 1,780 mm and 830 mm, respectively, providing more space for passengers to move easily inside. The passenger door is safely situated on the right-hand side, facing the sidewalk. Other design features of the body include panoramic windows and windshields, full-body insulation with GeneQ shield, automatic door closer, and provisions for persons with disabilities.
Completing the modernized look and features of the new PUVs are the LED TV monitors for real-time information including station details, route, date, time, weather, news, and advertisement, LED electronic signages for vehicle route information, fire extinguishers, CCTV, dashcam and back-up cameras, and the automatic fare collection–all geared for passengers’ safety, entertainment, and added convenience in fare collection.
“This is truly a landmark event for the PUV modernization program of the Philippine government and Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s active participation in this timely project. The fruitful collaboration between IPC and the wholly Filipino-owned Almazora Motors Corp ensures that our commuters ride only in world-class public utility vehicles that also take into careful consideration passenger safety, comfort, and the particular locality’s needs,” IPC President Hajime Koso explained.
“The formal turnover today at the honorable institution of the Senate of the Philippines, only means that we are starting the PUVMP program not just in the right foot, but in the best way possible, as our modernized jeepneys will provide safe, convenient, reliable and comfortable transport services to the people who render public service on their part,” he added.
The new PUVs warranty for cab and chassis is 3 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first and separate warranty for body, aircon and accessories, options not available for old Jeepneys. The cost of one unit is around P2.080-million.
The PUV Modernization Program is envisioned to replace some 250,000 jeepneys nationwide with new, safe and environment-friendly, secured, convenient and comfortable public utility vehicles.