Palace: First batch of electric jeepneys to roll out in June

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday announced that modern electric jeepneys will soon operate in Metro Manila.

“We are pleased to announce that as part of Department of Transportation's public utility vehicle modernization program, the first batch of modern electronic jeepneys will be rolled out in June,” Roque said in a press briefing.

Roque also enumerated the routes of the modern electronic jeepney. The routes where the e-jeepneys would pass was determined by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

• Quezon City Hall (along Elliptical Road, Diliman) to Manila City Hall,

• Cultural Center of the Philippines, Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City to Southwest intermodal Transport Exchange in Parañaque City,

• Fort Bonifacio Gate 3 in Taguig City to Guadalupe market in Makati City,

• And Bagumbayan in Taguig to Pasig City

The announcement came despite DOTr’s previous statement that more than 500 electric jeepneys, eyed as replacement for old jeepneys, would operate nationwide last January.

READ: DOTr to roll out more than 500 e-jeepneys in January

Under the modernization program of the government, the old jeepneys will be replaced by solar and electric-powered jeepneys, which are also environment-friendly. Some of the replacement jeeps might also powered by engines that run on fossil fuel but will be compliant with Euro 4 emissions standards.