Isuzu PH commences PUVMP with 15 Class 2 ‘Modern Jeepneys’

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) kicks off the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) by turning over 15 modern jeepneys to the Office of the Senate. The initial units will be used by Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO) as the pilot operator for public use.

SETSCO has been run by Senate employees since 2004 and now has joint ownership of 35 franchises granted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The group has shown to comply with the requirements prescribed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The body of the modernized PUVs are designed by Almazora Motors Corp., and built on top of Isuzu’s QKR77 platform, all assembled in the Philippines. It has a side-facing seats with air-conditioning, which are enough for the units to be classified as Class 2 PUVs.

The biggest advantage of the Isuzu modern PUV is its floor-to-ceiling height of 1,780 mm, which is enough for people who are 5’8” (and below) to stand and not hit their heads on the roof. It also has a wide 830-mm passageway for the passengers. Together with its right side entry, panoramic windshields and windows, full-body insulation, and automatic door closure, these traits make Isuzu’s modern PUV safer, more convenient, and more comfortable for the passengers.

Other notable features found in the Isuzu modern PUV are LED TV monitors (for real-time information including station details, route, date, time, weather, news, and advertisement), LED electronic signages for vehicle route information, fire extinguishers, CCTVs, dashcam and back-up cameras, and automatic fare collection.

Best part? The PUVs cab and chassis is covered by warranty for three years (or 150,000 km, whichever comes first) and has a separate warranty for body, air conditioning system, and accessories.

Powering the modern PUV is Isuzu’s Euro IV-compliant 4JH1-TC diesel engine, which, as claimed by IPC, delivers excellent fuel economy to go with its leaner emissions.

The turnover ceremony was held in front of the Senate building in Pasay City. IPC President Mr. Hajime Koso, Isuzu Gencars, Inc. Chairman and CEO Mr. Edgard Cabangon, and Almazora Motors Corporation Executive Vice President Mr. Conrad Almazora led the event in the presence of Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, DOTr Usec. Thomas Orbos, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, Senate Secretariat officials, SETSCO officials, and key government officials.