MANILA, Philippines – The city government of Marikina will launch today the country’s first ever public utility vehicle (PUV) for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Dubbed the Adaptive Mobile Vehicle, the AMV was designed by Vice Mayor Jose Fabian Cadiz and has been tested.
Cadiz said the AMV is painted yellow, with a “keep distance” sign on the rear side to warn motorists that it is carrying PWDs and elderly. It looks like a tricycle equipped with a buzzer, hazard lights and a horn.
“When opened, the AMV’s sidecar door turns into a ramp so the passengers can easily get into the vehicle,” he said.
The AMV has safety handle bars and rubberized flooring to ensure the safety of the passengers. The seats can be folded to give way for a wheelchair.
Cadiz said a passenger in a wheelchair does not need to stand up as he or she can roll in the sidecar through the ramp.
The AMV has a maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour.
Just like Uber taxis, PWDs and senior citizens can call from their mobile phones so the AMVs can pick them up anywhere in Marikina City.
The launching will be held in the city’s Freedom Park at 11 a.m.
Cadiz hopes other local government units will adopt the project.