It’s only been a few months since Hino Motors Philippines turned over some 13 units of its air-conditioned Class II modern jeepeneys to the Pateros-Fort Bonifacio Transport Service and Mult-purpose Cooperative (TSMC) and 20 more units to the Taguig Transport Service Cooperative. Yet it seems like both groups are happy with the performance of Hino’s bid to help improve the country’s mass transport system.
Passengers, for instance, are pleased that they get to ride an air-conditioned comfort, not to mention travel in safety and security. The 23-seater modern jeepneys have side-facing seats, as well as provisions for standing ocupants. Each one is also equipped with CCTV cameras, dashcams, GPS sensors, speed limiters, and provisions for beep cards or automated payment systems. This will eventually take the place of the present Passenger Assistance Officer who currently collects fees and informs the driver of when a passenger will alight the vehicle.
On the driver front, most drivers are pleased with how smoothly the modern jeepney runs, as well as how easy it is to maintain. Sure, there were some initial reservations, as with every new product. Yet Hino assured drivers and operators that it is here to back them all the way. HMP is committed to ensuring that eachof its products are cared for throughout their life cycle. This means drivers can go about their business of ferrying passengers, knowing that they can count on Hino should anything go wrong.
Speaking of going about their business, drivers are assured that they will be given benefits such as SSS, Philhealth, and the like. They will even be given a fixed monthly salary so they need not worry about beating the boundary just to earn a decent buck.
With all these, we can expect more modern jeepneys to be deployed on our roads in the months and years to come.
