LOOK: Could this PUV be the new ‘King of the Road’?

Loreben Tuquero

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LOOK: Could this PUV be the new ‘King of the Road’?
(UPDATED) The model developed by Toyota Motor Philippines Inc. (TMPI) costs P998,000 per unit and is targeted to be released before the end of the year. But already, some netizens have given it a thumbs down.

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Toyota Motor Philippines Inc. (TMPI) manufactured a new prototype of a Class 1 vehicle under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program. 

The Hilux 2WD prototype was taken out for a test run by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and other officials from DOTr and TMPI on Sunday, November 10.

12-SEATER. Transportation Secretary Tugade sits inside the modern vehicle, which can seat up to 12 passengers. Photo from DOTr's FB page

The model has a capacity of 12 passengers and is powered by a Euro 4 engine. It is valued at P998,000.

BETTER SURVEILLANCE. The model also has a closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) for better surveillance. Photo from DOTr's FB page

PRIORITY. Some seats in the modern unit are reserved for pregnant women, people with children, and persons with disabilities. Photo from DOTr's FB page

AIR-CONDITIONED. Passengers can get respite from the heat in the new Toyota Class 1 modern vehicle, which is air-conditioned. Photo from DOTr's FB page

The vehicle’s features also include a closed-circuit television camera (CCTV), GPS, a dashboard camera, and an automated fare collection system. It is compliant with PUV modernization requirements, the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, and the Philippine National Standards.

The unit is also airconditioned and accessible to persons with disabilities. 

UNDER A MILLION. The Toyota Hilux Class 1 modern PUV is valued at P998,000. Photo from DOTr's FB page

ROLLOUT SOON? Tugade earlier said that the unit is targeted to be released before 2020. Photo from DOTr's FB page

Earlier, Tugade said the modern vehicle is targeted to be released before the end of the year. The DOTr has been in talks with TMPI regarding the development of the prototype since June. 

Bad design?

On the other hand, commuters aired their reactions to the model on social media, pointing out that its design is not suited for mass transport. This was due to how the Toyota-made model can accommodate fewer people than the current jeepney.

Others said that its design did not seem suited for people, since its closed and cramped passenger cabin resembled those of delivery vans or hearses. 

Would you ride this vehicle when it comes out? – Rappler.com

 

 

 

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Loreben Tuquero

Loreben Tuquero is a researcher-writer for Rappler. Before transferring to Rappler's Research team, she covered transportation, Quezon City, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government as a reporter. She graduated with a communication degree from the Ateneo de Manila University.