The Cebu People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CPMPC), one of the biggest and multi-awarded cooperatives in the country, has inaugurated last August 15 its 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,” Macario G. Quevedo, chief executive officer of CPMPC, said during the blessing of the mini bus-type vehicles in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. PeoplesJeep’s new garage facility is located at UN Avenue in Mandaue City.
According to Quevedo, these new units of air-conditioned jeepneys will soon ply different routes in Metro Cebu.
CPMPC now has a total of 170 units in its fleet of modern jeepneys.
The CEO revealed that CPMPC is looking to hire at least 300 new drivers in preparation for the new routes that will soon open in Metro Cebu.
Macario G. Quevedo, Chief Executive Officer of Cebu People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CPMPC)
“We can employ more in the future including passenger service officers,” he said.
Presently, 12 units of PeoplesJeep are 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.
“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.
“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 stressed.
The Department of Transportation has eyed to to gradually replace old jeepneys with new units to reform the public land transport industry.
During the ribbon cutting, present are Mr. Quevedo (frontrow 2nd from left) with the BOD’s and their guest of honor Mr. Rodel Ablang of LTFRB (frontrow 3rd from left) and Ms. Analyn Conocono of Office of the Transportation Cooperative (frontrow 4th from left).
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. #
ABOUT
PeoplesJeep is a transport service operation owned and operated by Cebu People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative, which has over 70,000 members nationwide. The company’s head office is located in 2F CPMPC Business Center 50 T. Abella Street, San Nicholas Proper, Cebu City, Philippines.
