The Cebu People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CPMPC) inaugurated last Saturday, September 12, an additional 100 new units of modern jeepneys, also known as PeoplesJeep.
“We thank our partners, our funding institutions in government, government regulators and our transport operators for this new milestone of our cooperative,” CPMPC Chief Executive Officer Macario G. Quevedo said during the blessing on Aug. 15, 2020 of the mini bus-type vehicles in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. The new garage of the PeoplesJeep is located on UN Avenue in Mandaue City.
According to Quevedo, these new units of air-conditioned jeepneys will soon ply different routes in Metro Cebu. CPMPC, one of the biggest and multi-awarded cooperatives in the country, now has a total of 170 units in its fleet of modern jeepneys.
300 new drivers
The CEO said CPMPC is looking to hire at least 300 new drivers in preparation for the new routes that will soon open in Metro Cebu.
“We can employ more in the future, including passenger service officers,” he said. There are currently 12 units of PeoplesJeep plying the Talamban to Colon area with Route No. 13C.
“We are one with the government in its goal to modernize the public transportation industry in the country, particularly in Cebu,” he said.
The new Durabus Zhongtong Class 2 modern jeepneys are compliant with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine National Standards. They feature a global positioning system (GPS), speed limiter, front and rear cameras, and indoor TV for entertainment.
Comfortable ride
“All of our units have air-conditioning systems and foam seats to give our passengers a comfortable ride. They are also equipped with the required CCTV for security purposes,” Quevedo said.
These modern public utility vehicles (PUV) are powered by environmentally-compliant Euro 4/5 diesel engines, significantly reducing their carbon and sulfur emissions.
Fare payment is also very easy and convenient with the implementation of the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), which is required under the PUV modernization program of the government.
CPMPC has partnered with Beep Cards operator AF Payments Inc., which is the leading AFCS provider in the country.
Transport modernization
“Our acquisition of new units of modern PUVs is our response to the government’s call for a massive industry-wide transport modernization providing efficient, safe, and comfortable public transportation to the riding public while at the same time promoting pro-environment initiatives for a cleaner and better tomorrow,” Quevedo said.
The Department of Transportation has eyed the gradual replacement of old jeepneys with new units to reform the public land transport industry.
State-run lenders Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines have specialized loan financing programs that aim to help transport corporations and cooperatives acquire modern and environment-friendly jeepney units.
Quevedo said the program has significantly benefited drivers as they now receive monthly fixed salary and other benefits. A transport cooperative ideally manages the PUV fleet management and distributes the monthly income to its owners and drivers.
