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[av_heading heading=’Iloilo solon: E-jeeps for public transport’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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Monday, January 23, 2017
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MANILA – Rep. Jerry Treñas is pushing for e-jeepneys, or electronic run jeepneys for public transport.
The lawmaker from Iloilo City expressed support for the idea of phasing out diesel-run jeepneys in the country, majority of which are already “old” and “poorly maintained.”
Aside from causing a lot of pollution, jeepneys are also one of the major causes of traffic in Metro Manila and other cities because of their constant mechanical breakdowns, he went on.
Treñas proposes “buy-back scheme” for jeepney operators and drivers who want to go from diesel to electric.
“We need to protect the livelihood of our drivers and their operators. We cannot just revoke their franchise and leave them high and dry without any option for livelihood,” he said.
The scheme would give jeepney operators the option to sell their vehicles based on appraised value, the solon further explained.
Treñas said the government should establish an “easy and affordable” credit access through financial institutions like the Landbank and the Development Bank, in partnership with accredited e-jeepney manufacturers, for the affected workers.
“Evaluators will appraise the value of their jeepney which can serve as their down payment for their loans,” he said.
Government could also require operators to undergo their drivers for re-training on road courtesy and traffic discipline as a loan condition.
The Ilonggo congressman said that the use of e-jeepneys can save drivers in fuel costs and can significantly reduce urban air pollution./PN
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