Tacloban Deploys 20 More Solar Jeepneys

When super typhoon Yolanda made landfall in Tacloban in November 2013, not may outside of the city know that one of the sectors to begin operating soon after was the public transport, specifically the 45 solar-powered jeepneys supplied by the Star 8 Green Technology--the precursor of today's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. Nearly six years later and the program has proven to be a success that 20 more solar jeepneys have been added to the fleet to ply new routes from the city's downtown.

"This is really introducing better technology for the public and better jobs for the people. This will address the transportation needs of the city's one million day-time population. It's really important to provide mobility and convenience for the people," said Mayor Alfred Romualdez during the launch last July 11.

From Facebook.com/Tacloban.CIO

Each unit carries 22 passengers with free Wi-Fi on board, overhead electric fan per passenger, and USB power port to charge their devices.

It has the capacity to travel approximately 100 kilometers on a full battery charge, plus another 10-15 km from solar power during daylight hours.

Solar jeepney driver Rodolfo Solidor, 60, said driving the modern jeepney has encouraged him to extend his working years. He earns PHP320 to PHP500 daily and has been driving the solar jeepney since its launch in early 2018.

"It's power steering makes it easier for me to drive this jeepney, especially for an old man like me. I can drive for as long as I can breathe," said Solidor who has been transporting commuters to the new Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center and relocation sites in Kawayan village.

The solar jeepneys, designed to replace the aging internal combustion engine-powered jeepneys, started its operations in Tacloban in December 2017.

The PUV modernization is a flagship project of the Duterte administration, which aims to restructure, modernize and make an environment-friendly transport system in the country.

The program also aims to provide drivers and operators with stable, sufficient, and dignified livelihoods and at the same time, to let the commuters enjoy a safe and comfortable transportation system.

State-run Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines earlier announced the availability of multi-billion loans to finance the acquisition of new PUVs to qualified prospective borrowers.

[gallery size="vw_two_third_thumbnail_no_crop" ids="62278,62280,62277,62275">

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 04, 2025
  • MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • 3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 03, 2025
  • Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 02, 2025
  • Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 02, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 05, 2025
  • Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Cesar Miguel . May 21, 2025