It’s undeniable that a lot of jeeneys on the road today are way past their prime. Some say that many of these public utility vehicles (PUV) have become less road-worthy, and that most of these pose quite a threat to the environment as well as the safety of commuters.
This is an issue that’s atop the “to-solve” list for EVAP or the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines. In fact, it has recently solidified its stand to replace some 350,000 jeepneys (most of which have been in service for more than 15 years) with more modern, safer, and more environmentally-friendly versions called EJeepneys.
So far, its efforts have gained notable traction with the help of 3 other concerned organizations namely the Green Renewable Independent Power Producer, the Philippine Parts Makers Association, and the Philippine Utility Vehicle Inc.
As it stands, these groups have already deployed quite a number of EJeepneys in key areas around the metro such as Makati (the Makati Green Route), Alabang, and Muntinlupa. They’ve also managed to send out EJeepneys in such areas as Ateneo de Manila, De La Salle University, Meralco, and various other resorts and establishments. But they’re upping the ante as EVAP is now calling the attention of foreign electric vehicle groups to come and join the cause.
As regard, EVAP President Rommel Juan said, “We are looking forward to a greener and brighter future for the Philippine public transport sector. This is why on June 29 to 30, EVAP, together with the Board of Investments and Meralco will hold the first-ever ASEAN Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit. This will take place at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. With this event, we can show everyone that our EV industry is not far behind our ASEAN neighbors and is ready to take on the challenge of jeepney modernization.”
Juan added that his organization and its affiliates are in no way competing with jeepney drivers and operators. They are, in fact, willing to work with them as well as with the government to improve the quality of public transportation.
