One of the pioneer supporters of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, Hino Motors Philippines shared insights on modernizing the country’s transport system and its efforts as a modern jeepney provider at the 4th Transport Cooperative National Congress held during Philbus and Truck 2019.
The congress, which capped off the three-day expo happening at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, served as a platform to further discuss the PUVM program.
It gathered together suppliers, transport cooperatives, drivers, related government agencies and other stakeholders.
The leading exhibition of the movers and shakers in the transportation and commercial vehicles industry, Philbus and Truck 2019 encourages modern jeepney manufacturers nationwide to support the government’s call for a better transportation system in the country.
Senator Win Gatchalian expressed his optimism about the implementation and impact of the PUVM program during this talk. He noted how modernizing the Philippine transport system can lower the health risks of both commuters and drivers, normalize driver work hours, increase the drivers’ guaranteed take-home pay and reduce overall travel time by about 20 percent.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III echoes the same, highlighting that the PUVM program will not only ensure safer and more convenient public transport but will also provide employment opportunities. One of the things he stressed is the importance of the standardization and consolidation aspects of the program. According to him, the regulation, monitoring and engagement of transport operators will result in a more efficient system.
Hino into modern jeepney manufacture
July officially marked the second year of Hino as a local provider of modern jeepney units. In addition to being an exclusive distributor of premium trucks and buses, Hino has expanded into modern jeepneys, manufacturing one of the first batches of PUV units in compliance with the requirements set by the Bureau of Philippine Standards. This first set of PUV units from Hino incorporates a speed limiter, safety features, GPS, CCTV, dashboard-mounted camera and Beep card system to offer both driver and passengers a more comfortable and safer riding experience.
HMP Chairman Vicente Mills, Jr. said: “We at Hino stay committed to our promise of total support by bringing modern jeepneys closer to the Filipino people. We have been working hard in our plant to address the growing need for modern PUV units. Our modern jeepneys guarantee the same quality that Hino is known for worldwide. We take pride as the only local truck and bus one-stop shop that not only provides commercial vehicles but also assembles chassis and engine using our body-building capabilities.”
Hino turned over its first modern jeepneys to Taguig Transport Cooperative and Pateros-Fort Bonifacio Transport Cooperative in July 2018. Since then, Hino has turned over more than 100 modern jeepney units to several transport cooperatives in Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Quezon City and Iloilo.
Hino is currently in talks with several other transport groups interested in upgrading their fleet to modern jeepneys. It is set to turn over several modern jeepney units to two transport cooperatives in Manila in the coming weeks.
To further raise awareness about the PUVM program, Hino also recently joined the Modern PUV Caravan. It is a joint undertaking with the national government to bring modern PUV vehicles to different cities in the Philippines. This initiative aligns with Hino’s vision of a more connected community with a modernized system of transportation that is environmentally safe, durable and comfortable.