“Modern jeepneys” to hit Metro Manila roads on Monday, July 23

These “modern jeepneys” will hit Metro Manila roads starting Monday, July 23, the Department of Transportation said./Jerold Tagbo/Eagle News Service/

(Eagle News) — Commuters can expect over 100 “modern jeepneys” in Metro Manila roads starting Monday, July 23.

“Napapanahon nang magkaroon ang publiko ng hindi lang ligtas kundi komportable at kaaya-ayang pampublikong transportasyon,” Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement.

According to the Department of Transportation, the “modern jeepneys” have higher ceilings, which means standing passengers can be accommodated.

The doors in the “modern” vehicles are found on the sides and not at the back, as in traditional ones, the DOTr said.

According to the agency, the vehicles also “conform with the existing environmental and product standards set by the Bureau of Standards,” noting that they have  Euro-4 compliant engines or electric-powered motors which supposedly generate less pollution or none at all.

The DOTr added some of the units have a Global Positioning System, dash cameras, an automatic fare collection system, among others.

“Kung kayoý papipiliin, saan niyo ba mas gustong sumakay: sa karag-karag na jeepney na itim na usok ang ibinubuga, o sa mas modernong jeep kung saan makauupo kayo ng komportable at batid ninyong ihahatid kayo sa inyong paroroonan nang ligtas at hindi nakadaragdag sa polusyon?” Tugade asked.