Hino Turns Over 33 Modern Jeepney Units to Taguig Transport Groups

In support of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), a fleet of 33 modern jeepney units were rolled out by Hino Motors Philippines (HMP) to two transport groups in Taguig.

Some 13 air-conditioned jeepneys were turned over to the Pateros-Fort Bonifacio Transport Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TSMC) while 20 non-air-conditioned units were delivered to the Taguig Transport Service Cooperative (TSC) by the sole local distributor of customized Hino trucks and buses locally during its second turnover ceremony recently.

The vehicles are Euro 4-powered Hino Class II jeepneys that have a seating capacity of 23 with side-facing passenger seats similar to that of a conventional jeepney.

The jeepney design accommodates standing passengers to maximize the vehicle’s capacity and is tailor-made to requirements set by the Bureau of Philippine Standards as it is equipped with a Beep Card system, speed limiter, GPS, CCTV, and a dashboard camera.

Still in the initial stages of plying the roads, the modern jeepneys involve the assistance of a passenger assistance officer (PAO) in place of the Beep Card system. PAOs collect passengers’ fares and inform the driver when they are getting off.

Taguig TSC Chairman Freddie Hernandez expressed his appreciation for Hino’s service.

“Isa sa mga kinatutuwaan namin kay Hino ay kapag may problema at tinawag namin sila, nandiyan agad sila, nakaalalay. Ipinapakita nila na very supportive sila sa project. Nababaon kasi kami kapag tumitigil at hindi umiikot yung gulong ng jeep. Pero ngayon, dahil sa magandang assistance ng Hino, madaling naaayos ang mga problema at walang back time (One of the things that we like about Hino is that if there’s a problem and we tell them about it, there’re always there, ready to help. They show that they are very supportive of the project. We fall behind whenever a jeep stops and it’s unable to turn the wheel. But now, because of the assistance provided by Hino, any problem is easily resolved and we don’t fall behind),” he said.

For his part, HMP Chair Vicente Mills said that the country’s transport system  badly needs an update. “The country’s transport system is long overdue for a real shakeup,” Mills said.

“The Department of Transportation envisions a structured transport system that involves small, medium and large vehicles plying structured routes. The modern jeepney project is the first of the series of changes that DOTr wants to implement in the next few years. We at Hino hope to continue being a part of this endeavor in line with our mission of ensuring the welfare and safety of the Filipino riding public,” Mills added.