ILOILO City – Modern jeepneys started servicing Ilonggos on Tuesday as MetroExpress Connect, Inc. (MCI) launched three new routes set to connect major Iloilo terminals to Vista Mall Iloilo in Brgy. Pulo Maestra Vita, Oton.
These fully-air-conditioned MetroExpress modernized jeepneys – the first in Western Visayas – are PWD-friendly (persons with disability) and are equipped with upgraded features, such an automated fare collection system, CCTV, WiFi, GPS (global positioning system), and television monitors.
Boasting cutting-edge technology, these modern passenger jeepneys – which resemble airport shuttles – promise comfort and added safety to IIonggos.
Beginning July 31, the modernized jeepneys will transport the commuting public to and from the following destinations on the these routes: 1) Vista Mall Iloilo to Mohon Terminal via Circumferential Road 1, 2) Vista Mall Iloilo to Pavia Terminal via F. Gorriceta Jr. Avenue, and 3) Vista Mall Iloilo to New Ceres Terminal in Jaro via Circumferential Road 1.
MetroExpress general manager Engr. Ric Pallesco told the media that at the moment 15 modern jeepneys are operating in the city – five for each of the three routes – but they plan to ship in more units soon to have 45 modern jeepneys in all before the end of the year.
MetroExpress is offering free rides for the first three days of its operation – from July 31 to Aug. 2. The modernized jeepneys are designed to offer a cashless payment experience, outfitted with an automated fare collection system powered by the Prime Tap Card, a reloadable prepaid card that a passenger can simply tap on a screen near the jeepney’s entrance to pay for fare.
The Prime Tap Card is available at payment kiosks in all of the three destination terminals above and Vista Mall Iloilo. Pallesco says that for the first few weeks of operation – while the Ilonggo riding public is still adjusting to the new system – MetroExpress jeepneys will be accepting cash payments before going fully cashless.
These innovative modernized jeepneys are the product of the cooperation and partnership of vehicle manufacturer Isuzu Philippines, leading bus body manufacturer Almazora Motors Corporation, ePrime Business Solutions’ contactless payment technology Prime Tap Card, Vista Malls, and Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc.
“Knowing that it’s Isuzu, these modern jeepneys are designed to last a very long time,” Isuzu Philippines Corporation sales division head Joseph Bautista told Panay News. “It’s about two-million pesos per unit, kasama na kase lahat ng components – the platform, the body, and the accessories and features… a complete package.”
“Most Filipinos will want to ride a vehicle that is very modern, kung noon nagsisiksikan tayo, ngayon may very reliable, very comfortable, very safe na tayong option of public transport,” the Isuzu executive added.
MetroExpress, in full support of the modernization program and efforts of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), has expanded its service offerings to include modernized jeepneys.
“I am very happy with the initiative of the LTFRB and the DOTr to modernize our transportation system of the Philippines,” said Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc. founder and former senator Manny Villar during the grand launch. “We are proud, with this partnership, to contribute to this worthy cause. I’ve seen the jeepneys and they are impressive. This will certainly go a long way in modernizing public transport here in Iloilo.”
MetroExpress aims to lead the transport community in using state-of-the-art facilities and providing a safer and more comfortable and environmentally-friendly commute.
MetroExpress Connect, Inc. is a Filipino Transport Company established in 2008 to provide affordable and quality transport services to communities across the nation. Since then, the company has grown into a holistic transport service provider offering not just vans and shuttles, but also P2P (point-to-point) buses, logistics, auto service repairs, and more./PN
