Mandaue offers free rides on e-jeepneys

CEBU, Philippines - Free rides on e-jeepneys to and from the new public market in Mandaue City are now available.

The new market opened last Jan. 18, but the e-jeepneys took a while to operate due to registration problems.

Purchased from China, each of the e-jeepneys cost P600,000.

Mayor Jonas Cortes said the e-jeepneys are environment-friendly and convenient to passengers.

Musoline Suliva, market administrator, said the e-jeepneys proceeds to the new public market, Burgos St., C. Ouano St. (in front of city hall), S.B. Cabahug St. (in front of the National Shrine of St. Joseph) then back to the new public market.

The utility vehicle sits 14 passengers with 5 hours running time and 8 hours of charging.

Musoline said two e-jeepneys are scheduled to ply their routes during peak hours from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The two others will get going at 4 p.m.

Musoline said the e-jeepneys don’t compete with the tricycles since these have a very short route and go out only during peak hours.

He said the e-jeepneys will also be available during the night market on weekends.

Cortes said he would like to maximize the use of e-jeepneys, adding he is planning to buy more e-jeepneys to transport students to schools located in far flung areas. (FREEMAN)