The old look of the iconic Philippine jeepneys may still be retained as the government pushes for the shift to modernization of public transport, particularly the world-famous jeepneys dubbed as the country’s “king of the road”.

In a statement, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it is open to such idea, provided that the modern version of the Philippine jeepneys should be compliant to the Philippine National Standards set by the Bureau of Philippine Standards under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

 “The modernized jeep that you saw is clear proof that the traditional look can be maintained so the possibility of a phase out is very, very remote. What we only wanted was to improve the roadworthiness of the vehicle,” said Guadiz.

A local manufacturer of Philippine jeepneys has already initiated moves to come up with a design that would comply with the DTI requirements but would retain the jeepneys’ old look.

The DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) specified dimensional limits for PUVs with strict limits on the seating arrangement and capacity, as well as maximum mass.

Also included in the dimensional limits are the vehicle’s overall height, width and length, wheelbase and even front and rear overhang, cabin, seat and seat layout, step board, service door and emergency exit.

Aside from the standards set for its size, the DTI said modern jeepneys must be powered by a Euro-4 emissions compliant engine or electric motor powered by onboard batteries.

The use of Euro-4 engines are already 43-percent more efficient than the traditional jeepneys, based on the study.

They should also be equipped with dash cams, speed limiters, CCTV cameras and an automatic fare collection system (so that the driver doesn’t have to manage giving change).

Designed after World War II Willys Jeeps left by the American military during their occupation of the country, the Philippine jeepneys have been operational since the 1940s and became the country’s symbol of public transportation.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by AARON RECUENCO

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