PNP rolls out own e-jeepney at Camp Crame

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) started yesterday using an electric jeepney to ferry policemen and civilians transacting business inside its headquarters in Camp Crame for free.

PNP Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) director Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said the launch of the electric jeepney is not only environment-friendly, it also embodies the theme “Ugnayang Pulis at Mamamayan, Susi sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran ng Bayan” of this year’s PCRG Month.

Bartolome said the e-jeepney was deployed under the program “Libreng Sakay ni TSIP” which aims to assist visitors, particularly senior citizens, who are not familiar with the various offices in Camp Crame.

According to Bartolome, the P750,000 jeepney made by the Pasay City-based Alternative Modern Transport, can comfortably ferry 14 persons, including the driver, at a top speed of 45 kilometers per hour.

Bartolome said the jeepney was donated to the PNP by the Bantayog Lion’s Club, which he heads. He said the Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Inc. through its chairman emeritus Dr. James Dy, has pledged to donate one more e-jeepney to the PNP.

In an interview, AMT president Ariel Torres said the 14-seater electric jeepney can run up to 120 kilometers after being charged for eight hours.

Torres said the e-jeepney uses 12 “deep cycle” rechargeable batteries similar to those used to power golf cars.

Similar electric jeepneys can also be seen cruising the streets of Quezon City and Makati City. – Mike Frialde