Bacolod: Five more units of electric jeepneys (e-jeeps) will operate in this highly urbanized city under the franchise of the Cebu People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CPMPC), owner-operator of the modernized People’s Jeep. The additional units, which will ply the Fortune Towne-Central Market loop, complete the 10 units obtained by the CPMPC from Chinese-Korean e-vehicle company e-Future Motors Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, the CPMPC announced the blessing of these units and their Bacolod satellite office on Saturday as a step towards sustainable transport. Macario Quevedo, CPMPC director for transport operations, acknowledged the support of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez in implementing the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) in the city. Quevedo expressed gratitude, stating that the mayor’s support is driving real change.

Mayor Benitez committed to establishing more charging stations for e-jeeps in the city, ensuring easier access for e-vehicle users. Bacolod-based e-Future Motors congratulated CPMPC on launching the additional five units, describing the modernized e-jeepneys as a sustainable and environment-friendly solution. The company expressed optimism about making e-jeep the preferred choice for the PTMP implementation in Bacolod City.

The CPMPC initially launched five units in October last year. These 10 units are part of the 60 franchises awarded by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to the cooperative to operate modern jeepneys in Bacolod. CPMPC president and CEO Michael Abella stated their aim to complete the 60 franchises, with arrangements for other routes being worked out.

In 2023, the CPMPC signed a memorandum of agreement with e-Future Motors for the delivery of e-jeepney units on a rent-to-own arrangement financed by the e-vehicle company. e-Future Motors is a subsidiary of Jiangsu Fengchuen New Energy Power Technology Co. Ltd., with its head office in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, China, and a factory in Jiangyin City.