THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) headed by Secretary Arthur Tugade plans to roll out at least 200 modern electric-powered jeepneys in various cities in Metro Manila ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA).

Transportation Undersecretary for Roads Thomas Orbos said that they will undertake the roll-out under the PUV Modernization Program of the government, in line with the President’s order to modernize public transportation in the country.

“We are targeting the modernization of public transport before the SoNA,” said Orbos during the Philippine Bus and Trucks 2018 Exhibition in Pasay City yesterday.

“We are rolling out at least 200 units in seven routes across various cities of Metro Manila,” he added.

Under the transport modernization program, passenger jeepneys 15 years and older will be replaced by environment-friendly and fuel-efficient units, featuring side exit doors and bigger bodies.

The transportation department is seeking to launch around 3,000 units of the e-jeepneys by the end of the year.

The target is at least 180,000 units in three years with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) providing P1.5 billion to kick-start the program.

Despite protests from various transport groups, Secretary Tugade said the program will proceed this year as planned.

Last month, the DoTr launched the initial 15 units of the modern jeepneys in various routes covering Star City/CCP to PICC, and GSIS/Senate to MOA to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and back.

Some transport groups have already drive-tested the modern jeepneys as transport operators seek favorable loan terms for their acquisition.