Faster ROI for new PUV operators seen

Vechile body builders said the proposed new Eco Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) standards makes it easier and quicker return on investments (ROI) by PUV operators.

ABMAP was active together with the Truck Manufacturers Association, the Philippine Parts Maker Association of the Philippines, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards in crafting the proper dimensional standards for the modern Eco PUV.

Vicente Millls, president of the Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP) explained the design concept of the proposed new Eco PUV ensures higher profitability to operators.

According to Mills, the BPS Technical Working Group (TWG) was set up to craft the optimal design and dimensional limits of the modern Eco PUV specifically for Philippine use and yet are in conformance to international standards.

Mills said that the most apparent design adjustment of the Eco PUV is the increased floor to ceiling height of the vehicle in the rear passenger area.

This allows passengers to stand up in the middle much like how people stand up in the MRT or the buses. This increases the passenger capacity resulting in incremental income for the operator. This simple design adjustment gives the average PUV operator additional fare as it allows about eight people to stand up in the middle during rush hour.”

This makes sense because commuters can spend the time standing up inside the vehicle already and not on the streetside, exposed to the elements. And since some of the proposed Eco PUVs are airconditioned, the passengers will be more comfortable. Also, the entrance on the right side or curbside also solves the safety issue of passengers falling off the backside of the jeep while hanging on the hand rails or getting rammed from behind by an oncoming vehicle.

“New features introduced were the passenger door on the curb side, more passenger capacity, higher ceiling to allow standing passengers, an automated fare collection system, more room for seated passengers both at the front and the sides, an emergency exit and entirely brand new power train, body and parts, among others,” he added.

An airconditioning system is optional in all classes of PUV. These are all expected to result in less operating expenses and added income for the operator and added safety, comfort and convenience for the passengers. However, the BPS Standards were not intended to cover the body design and the performance of the Eco PUV.” There are four classes identified which were based on vehicle size, passenger seating and standing capacities, passenger volume of the route, distance of the route and intended road use for the vehicles.

Class 1 PUV is broken down into two: Class 1A for 9 to 12 passengers with perimeter seating and Class 1B for 13 to 22 passengers with both perimeter and front-facing seats. These are intended for low density, stop and go routes in the city. No standing passengers are allowed.

Class 2 PUV is for a total of 23 passengers or more (seated and standing) and is the only class where standing passengers are allowed.

It will have perimeter seating and must conform to the body dimensional limits of 7m length x 2.35m width x 1.75m floor to ceiling height. It is for higherdensity passenger volumes in a stop and go route in the city.