The country’s leading truck manufacturer, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has officially turned over three units of its modernized PUV to GRAB Philippines at the island’s Bolabog Terminal in the newly re-opened Boracay.
The modernization of transport system is part of the government’s ongoing Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which envisioned to replace some 200,000 Jeepneys nationwide 15 years and older with new, safe, and environment friendly PUVs.
The units were assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 cab and chassis platform and the rear body designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corporation. The units are Coolaire air-conditioned 23-seater Class 2 type PUVs with a side-facing seat configuration.
According to Isuzu PH, the new PUV body is compliant with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017). It has a passenger cabin floor-to-ceiling height and gangway width of 1,780 mm and 830 mm, respectively, providing more space for passengers to move easily inside.
Persons with disabilities (PWD) will certainly benefit as the new Jeepneys is equipped with right-hand side passenger door facing the sidewalk accessible for PWDs. Other design features include panoramic windows and windshields, full-body insulation with GeneQ shield, automatic door closer, ECE-compliant headlamps, brake system, wipers, windshield washer, and side view mirrors.
To complete the modern look and features of the new PUVs, Isuzu adds LCD/LED TV monitors and CCTV system by Mikasa, a fire extinguisher, a Vectras GPS navigation system, dashcam and back-up cameras. All of these have been geared for passengers’ safety, entertainment, and added convenience.
The new PUVs also come with separate warranty coverages for the platform (3 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first), body and aircon, options not available for old Jeepneys.