Solar e-jeepneys now plying Alabang-Zapote route

Electronic jeepneys have started plying the Alabang-Zapote route but on a limited scale, an "Unang Balita" report said Friday.

GMA News' James Agustin said that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), South Metro Transport Cooperative, and Star Eight already deployed 15 units for the route.

Also, the transport players are planning to add more than 100 units of electronic jeepneys, report added.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra was quoted as saying, "The seed of the modernization program that we planted is now sprouting. Panawagan po sa lahat, wala na pong atrasan ito. Tuloy-tuloy na po." 

Solar jeepneys are environment-friendly, equipped with GPS, Wi-Fi, CCTVs, automated fare collections system, and USB charging ports. The vehicles have a charging time of ten hours.

According to the report, one unit can accommodate 20 passengers.

Like ordinary jeepneys, the e-jeep has a minimum fare of P9.

The Alabang - Zapote route already has 45 drivers and operators employed, the report said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/LBG, GMA News