Recto, transport groups drive for alternative PUVs

MANILA, Philippines - In the age of impeachment and fractions driven by the process, a senator, a local chief executive, transport groups, the private sector, and civil society come together to celebrate a historic moment in public service, the first commercial eJeepney franchise in the country.

Senator Ralph Recto, author of the Alternative Fuel Incentives Bill, E, Jr., Secretary Lucille Sering of the Climate Change Commission, Chairman Jaime Jacob of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), commercial franchise holder EJeepney Transport Corporation (EJTC), the Makati City government as represented by the City Consultant Ernie Camarillo, transport groups representatives, and other alternative public transport advocates graced the event organized by eJeepney pioneer and the country’s policy think tank on sustainable energy solutions and fair climate policy, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (iCSC).

“What we are launching is not the just first e-PUJ commercial franchise, but the rapidly growing community pushing for green solutions,” said Red Constantino, director of iCSC.

“We may be the first to hold the commercial franchise, but what we want is to have more green operators replicating the initiative all over the country,” said Yuri Sarmiento, CEO of EJTC.

On February 8, 2012, the LTFRB issued the country’s first electric public utility jeepney franchise to eJeepney Transport Corporation (EJTC). Come March, the eJeepney fleet working the Legaspi Village and Salcedo Village loops will be charging a minimum fare for each ride.

“For small operators to shift to eJeepneys, we need to show them that it is commercially feasible for them, for the drivers and the commuters in the long term,” added Sarmiento.

“This launch above all is an invitation to the public, the Makati commuters to continue supporting the eJeepney, to prove that sustainable transport solutions and green enterprises are viable in our country,” Constantino said. Constantino called for the early passage of Recto’s Alternative Fuels Incentives Bill, which he said will protect the country from the impacts of the turmoil in the Middle East and the wild vagaries of the global oil market.

Also known as Senate Bill 2856, the Alternative Fuels Incentives Bill aims to provide robust policy support and smart incentives to vehicle operators and manufacturer to accelerate the development and deployment low emission vehicles in the country.