Francisco Motors Float Unli-Ride Jeepneys Concept
Long-time maker of public utility jeepneys Francisco Motors has proposed
what is called the TsuperHero Program to help government implement its PUV
modernization program.
The program involves Francisco Motors providing participants-including
transport cooperatives and corporations- modern jeepneys while at the same
instituting a ticketing system for unlimited rides for commuters on given
routes.
During a recent public turntable discussion on government's PUV
modernization program, Elmer Francisco said the proposal has already been
presented to DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista last December.
The proposal includes the implementation of a three-month pilot program
that would see Francisco Motors partnering with a transport cooperative to
operate 28 modern jeepneys on a 4-kilometer route from Merry Homes in
Caloocan City to Santa Monica Shop and Ride in Novaliches.
Details of the proposal have been forwarded to the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board but Elmer Francisco claims the LTFRB has
been sitting on it.
Francisco Motors' novel unli-ride jeepney proposal which include offering
its PUVs to operators and drivers for free appears to have some merit and
could help push government's PUV modernization program. Still one can't
really fault the LTFRB for wanting more time to study the proposal.