E-vehicle makers push eJeepneys for tourism

Cruz said the electric vehicles there are the big six-seater golf cart varieties which are smaller yet very similar to the 14-seater electric jeepneys (eJeepneys) now plying Makati, Filinvest City Alabang, Muntinlupa and Ateneo.

“We are now encouraging tourism industry players to help develop green tourism in the Philippines. I believe this is one lesson we can learn from the Vietnamese—provide tourists with shuttle vehicles that are quiet, comfortable and smoke-free. This will be good for everyone in the tourism industry,” he said.

According to Cruz, eJeepneys in the Philippines are more commonly used for public transport.

However, he said it is now high time for the Philippines to have more eJeepneys for tourism application.

“This is understandable since the jeepneys are the backbone of the Philippine mass transport system. But in Vietnam, the electric vehicles are used more in the tourism industry to promote green and convenient tourist transport that is quiet and smoke-free,” he said.

Cruz said it would be more enjoyable for foreigners visiting Philippine tourist sites to ride electric vehicles.

He noted EVAP welcomes progress in the industry so far as electric tricycles (eTrikes) are concerned. eTrikes have managed to penetrate famous tourist areas such as Coron, Boracay, Puerto Princesa and Intramuros.

The group, however, hopes eJeepneys will also be introduced in these sites to cater to bigger groups.