Manufacturer: Modern PUJs are safe, reliable
Isuzu Philippines has assured the public that it would follow the requirements of the government to produce environment-friendly public utility vehicles (PUV).
Matt Aguilar, Isuzu Philippines Fleet Sales Supervisor, told reporters that they will abide by the government standards in producing modern vehicles.
Isuzu Philippines is among the manufacturers of modern vehicles that will supply the needed jeepneys to replenish those 15 years old and above.
“Yung sinasabi ng gobyerno sa atin na mas maganda ang makita, mas malinis ang makina namin, gusto kasi ng gobyerno na safe at environmentfriendly,” Aguilar said.
The Department of Transportation launched last year the framework of the program called “PUJ modernization: The Invasion” or the gradual phase out of old jeepneys.
Aguilar has also assured the jeepney operators that their units are reliable, safe, and durable. He said their units are friendly to persons with disability (PWD) for it has a wide pathway.
The modern type vehicles has Global Positioning System (GPS), Wi-Fi connection, curb side door, automatic fare system, dashcam , and low emissions. The price ranges from P 1.6 million and above. Aguilar said the first batch of modern vehicles will be available this coming April.
Isuzu Philippines is encouraging the single jeepney operators to form a cooperative so that they can avail the loan facility offered by DOTr.
In this program, the DOTr has provided a loan facility for the PUJ operators who do not have enough capital.For the initial phase of the implementation, the Development Bank of the Philippines has earmarked P 1.5 billion funds.
Aguilar clarified that they will first accommodate those operators who have 15 years old jeepneys and above following the directive of the national government.
In a separate interview, Al Arcillo, 57, resident of Barangay Busay and has been a jeepney operator for 27 years, told The FREEMAN that he is hopeful that the phase out of old jeepneys will be done gradually.
“Uyon man ko ana, dili lang kuhaon og diretso kay mas maayo og anam-anamon kay dili baya namo makaya tawn og palit og bag-o,” he said.
Arcillo admitted that most of his 22 units of PUJs are 15 years old and above.
“Hinay-hinay gyud kay ang magsakripisyo ani ang riding public kay mominus man ang mga drivers tungod ani, magnegosyo nalang og lain,” he said.