Ateneo launches e-jeepney shuttle

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) has launched an electric jeepney (e-jeepney) shuttle system within its campus.

According to the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), ADMU is the first educational institution to introduce an e-jeepney transport system.

The Ateneo e-jeep shuttle system is operated by Meralco Energy Inc., a subsidiary of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

For the shuttle system’s initial operations, it would utilize four units of 14-seater e-jeeps supplied by Philippine Utility Vehicle, Inc.

The shuttle system would have 11 stops within the campus.

Meralco for its part, designed and put up a power charging station which would allow e-jeepneys to run for about 100 kilometers (km) after charging overnight.

The adoption of electric vehicles by ADMU follows last month’s launch of Filinvest Alabang’s own shuttle system-Filinvest 360 Eco Loop – which also utilizes e-jeepneys.

“More and more private institutions are now introducing their own eco-friendly transport systems to transform their establishments into green establishments,” EVAP president Rommel Juan said.

Such move, he said, is supported by the EVAP.

“EVAP hopes that many other commercial and even industrial establishments will soon follow suit in operating their own environment-friendly transport solutions,” he said.

He noted that e-jeepneys are easier to maintain compared to units that run on diesel-engines.

“An e-jeepney costs only P4.60 per km to operate as compared to a conventional diesel-powered jeepney which costs P6.70 per km to operate,” he said.