(Top photo): Hino shows it total support to sustainable transport system with the display of its Class II Non-AC modern jeepney.
With the government's PUV Modernization Program set to take off real soon, various manufacturers are beginning to put forth their proposals for a 21st-century Public Utility Vehicle. One such player is Hino Motors Philippines, which presents a couple of prototypes that focus mainly on rider comfort and safety.
Built in line with the standards set by the Bureau of Product Standards, the HMP prototypes are seetnailly mini bus bodies with the trademark Hino jeepney interior. Take for intance the PUV Class III 4-wheeler. With a 6m chassis, it can easily accomodate 19 passengers who will sit on side-facing, jeepney-style seats.This configuration makes it possible to take in more passengers who won't mind standing, bringing the total to 26 commuters.
Then there is the Class III jeepney. This one uses a more modern forward-facing seating arrangement that can accomodate as many as 23 persons. Each one gets their own seatbelt and the mini bus itself is air-conditioned for greater comfort in our hot cliamte.
Apart from these, HMP is making sure that all its units will be iftted with the latest in passenger safety and convenience. There will only be one entry and exit, located at the side. This makes it a lot safer as passengers aren't exposed to the dangers of a rear-end collision. These units wll also be fitted with GPS, dashcams, CCTV, and WiFI. Plus, Beep cards or automated fare colllection systems will be put in place.
With all these, it looks like Filipino willl have a safe and modern means of geting around, thanks in no small part to companies like Hino.
