A transport cooperative in Alabang replaced 15 of their old jeepneys with modernized electric jeepneys from Star 8 Green Technology Corporation. These are on the road and picking up passengers now!
Videos are first released on / ytgadgetaddict and comments can be left there.
Some of the benefits:
- Same fare as the old jeepney
- They're a LOT more comfortable
- No noisy exhaust and no killer smoke
- Safer loading and unloading with a side door
- Free cellphone charging and Free WIFI
- Salaried drivers - No boundary
I've heard many arguments against PUV Modernization but they just don't add up.
First they say they're protecting commuters. Protecting them from what? Don't you think commuters deserve better? Who would choose a 30 year old smoke belcher over this modern jeep?
Thanks to technology, the cooperatives are able to manage their fleets in a much smarter way. That means better efficiency and better profits. Along with that, they're finding alternative ways to monetize the vehicle, such as on-board advertizing. All of this means they can fight against fare increases.
Although honestly, nearly everyone I've spoken to has said they'd rather pay a couple of extra Peso to ride a modernized Jeepney than the old one.
Another thing they'll say is that they're trying to protect drivers. Protect them from what? A stable salary?
Single owner-operator Jeepneys don't make financial sense. Very rarely can they make enough money to pay themselves AND maintain the vehicle. By joining a cooperative, they benefit from the economy of scale and more efficient fleet management.
By joining a cooperative, they get a secure salary and don't have to worry about franchises, registration, maintenance and all the other costs that go into operating a Jeepney. Sure they might not "own" the Jeepney anymore but what's the benefit of owning it if all of your money goes into constantly fixing it just to keep it on the road?
And ultimately, this is PUBLIC TRANSPORT. The priority should be in serving the people. At some point you have to draw the line and really put the needs and comfort of commuters to the front.
Thankfully, there are programs in place to help anyone that might be displaced. For example TESDA are training people new skills like welding and then helping them get into new jobs. No matter what, there should be no one left behind.
Not all modernized jeepneys will be electric. The requirement is Euro 4 or better. The cooperative in question is the South Metro Transport Cooperative.
These Star8 Jeepneys are the same ones being used by Meralco (eSakay) in Makati.
12 сен 2024
