Nobody likes working on a Sunday, but there are things worth making time for. In this case, officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) all gathered today to try out the latter’s modern Hilux-based PUV. This was already teased by DOTr secretary Art Tugade days ago, and now the public finally sees what it looks like.
The Toyota Hilux Class 1 modern PUV seats 12, and is equipped with a CCTV, GPS navigation, dashcam, and most important for Mobile Legends addicts like our social media editor Elaine, Wi-Fi. Of course, the whole vehicle is air-conditioned.
The units are 2WD, and we assume they run on the smaller 2.4-liter diesel engine that generates 147hp and 343Nm.
Toyota’s PUV fully complies with Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program requirements, Omnibus Franchise Guidelines, and Philippine National Standards. With the kind of jeepneys we see running around today, we’re a little surprised to find out that there are so many regulating bodies in existence.
Seen working on a Sunday from TMP were chairman Alfred Ty, president Satoru Suzuki, first vice-president for corporate affairs Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, and vice-president for corporate affairs and public relations Allen Rufo. On the DOTr’s side, it was represented by undersecretary for finance Garry De Guzman, undersecretary for road transport Mark De Leon, assistant secretary for communications Goddes Libiran, and secretary Art Tugade.
"Modernization is not expensive, provided that you make the right choice. There is always a cheaper alternative," said secretary Tugade.
TMP’s modern PUV comes in just shy of P1 million. With the Hilux’s pedigree as the popular choice for peacekeeping forces and terrorist groups, it can surely handle ferrying sleepy passengers whose employers haven’t embraced remote work setups yet.
Thoughts?
