TRENDS IN SCIENCES, 202x; xx(xx): xxxxx RESEARCH ARTICLE

https://doi.org/

Modernized Jeepney: The New Face of Public Utility Vehicle?

Jasmin Osian
3rd Year Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Student at Pangasinan State University-
Urdaneta City Campus
09317411290
osianjasmin@gmail.com

Received: 000, Revised: 000, Accepted: 000

Highlights
 The study features the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
 The study includes the design and construction of the modernized jeepneys.
 The study consists of a tabulated data of the parameters used in evaluating the jeepneys.
 The study presents the interpretation of data as a result of comparative analysis.

Graphical abstract

Abstract
Diesel-operated jeepneys are the face of the streets in the Philippines; and are considered to be the
cheapest form of public transportation. However in 2017, the Department of Transportation passed the
Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program which aims to improve the Philippine’s transportation
system by 2020. The program includes phasing-out jeepneys that are at least 15 years old; for a
modernized model as a replacement. Since, the program itself already aims to address the safety and
environmental aspect, the focus of this study will be on the financial side; if the modernization of jeepneys
is economical and accessible. A conventional jeepney and three modernized models namely; COMET E-
Jeep, Isuzu’s P.U.V. Class III Prototype, and BEEP is the subject of the study. The parameters in
Trends Sci. 202x; xx(xx): xxxxx 2 of 4

evaluating the jeepneys include the purchasing cost, seating capacity, fuel, fuel cost and estimated
minimum fare. The traditional model is the cheapest among the group with P695000 purchasing cost. The
BEEP has the largest seating capacity, 24 seats including the driver. In terms of overall cost and features,
the COMET E-Jeep is the most economical since it utilized rechargeable lithium battery and the least
expensive among the modernized versions with P800000 purchasing cost. The results of the study given
the parameters proved the cost-effectiveness of modernized jeepneys mainly the COMET E-Jeep.
Keywords: Modernized jeepney, Conventional jeepney, Jeepney

Introduction
In the Philippines, jeepneys are the most accessible form of public utility vehicle. As the
numerous units of this vehicle are seen roaming in the streets to satisfy the commuter’s demand for
transportation, these are also associated with traffic and pollution. To address the safety and
environmental issues associated with these transits, the Department of Transportation issued the
Department Order No. 2017-011, known as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program; to
improve the transportation system in the country. This program aims to attain system reform in public
land transportation industry. This reformation starts with phasing out the jeepneys of at least 15 years old
within the time frame of two years, from 2017-2020. However, the need for monetary fund to subsidize
the operators and drivers to avail a modernized jeepney is anchored to this program.
The modernized jeepneys offered to the public is not just a single model unit, thus there are
variations to choose from different vehicle manufacturing companies who took part in the program. The
first one is the Bagong Jeep or BEEP, a four-wheeler, rechargeable lithium-ion battery operated jeepney;
this energy-efficient engine meets the Eurpean standards in vehicles with a mark of 0.58 to 1.74. The
maximum speed of BEEP is 60 kilometers per hour. This jeepney can carry a maximum passenger load of
1260 kilograms, or equivalent to 24 persons. It was estimated to serve a maximum of 600 passengers a
day, twice the number of passengers a conventional unit can. BEEPs are also equipped with GPS, CCTV
camera, and automated payment system. To ease the burden of lump sum payment for a unit that cost
around one to one and a half million pesos, the Development Bank of the Philippines launched a program,
the Boundary Hulog Program version 2.0; a loan payable for seven years.
Another modernized jeepney is the City Optimised Managed Electric Transport (COMET).
COMET was specially developed by Pangea Motors to match the transportation needs in Metro Manila.
This E-jeep is wider and bigger that the BEEP which allows it to carry 20 passengers in the seats and
standing commuters. Just like BEEP, COMET is also operated by a 220V rechargeable lithium battery,
has an automated cashless system feature, and security camera. It was also built with flat screen television
and an air suspension technology; that can lift the body 16 inches above the ground in case of flood. The
maximum speed of this engine is 55 kilometers per hour.
The last version is the Isuzu’s P.U.V. Prototype. This modernized jeepney is a combination of a
truck and a jeep. Unlike the first two, the 4-cylinder water-cooled, 4-cycle, OHV with automatic engine
stop device, turbo-charged with intercooler and direct injection engine is powered by diesel. It can carry a
load of 2, 325 kg.
Although this modernized jeepney are built with security and safety feature unavailable in
conventional jeepneys, there is no assurance of public accessibility since the purchasing cost of the units
are higher compared to the traditional ones. Defining jeepney, the word is a combination of jeep, an
American military vehicle used during the World War II, and ‘jitney’ a public transit that offers low fares.
Since these modernized jeepneys are created from retrofitted jeep, or improved design of the latter, the
form is indeed satisfied the term. However, does the minimum fare for these P.U.V.s meet the low fare
that a jitney and conventional jeepney are known for?

Materials and methods

In this study, a conventional jitney and three modernized jeepney models will be treated as subjects.
The samples for the modernized jeepney are the COMET E-Jeep, Isuzu’s P.U.V. Class III Prototype, and
BEEP. These vehicles will be evaluated in terms of their purchasing cost, seating capacity, fuel, fuel cost
and estimated minimum fare. The data gathered will be the basis for the comparative analysis; to
determine the most efficient public transportation among the subjects.
Trends Sci. 202x; xx(xx): xxxxx 3 of 4

Results and discussion

Table 1: The Parameters in Evaluating the Jeepney Models
PARAMETERS Conventional COMET E-Jeep Isuzu’s P.U.V. CIII BEEP
Jeepney

Purchasing cost P695000.00 P800000.00 P2000000>P P1500000>P

Seating capacity 21 21 23 24
(including driver)
Fuel Diesel 200V Rechargeable Diesel Rechargeable
Lithium Battery Lithium Battery

Fuel cost P1000-P2000 P400-P500 P1000-P2000 P400-P500

(estimated in 2017)
Minimum fare P9 P11 P9 P13

In Table 1, the data gathered about the purchasing cost, seating capacity, fuel, fuel cost and
minimum fare of the jeepney models subjected in the study are tabulated. For the purchasing cost, the
conventional jeepney is still the cheapest; however, within the modernized group, the COMET E-Jeep is
not as expensive as the other two models. In terms of seating capacity, the maximum expansion in the
size is limited to four passengers. Considering the first two parameters, the modernized jeepney models
have no advantage over to the traditional jitney.
In terms of power source or fuel, the COMET E-Jeep and BEEP are ahead among others since the
rechargeable lithium batteries are already utilized. This has a significant effect in the estimated fuel cost
per day, whereas the jeepney that employs electricity as power source has more economical fuel cost.
However, the minimum fare within E-jeepneys is higher compared to diesel-operated engine.
Based from the tabulated data, the COMET E-Jeep is the most economical among the group. In
financial aspect, the model’s purchasing cost is the most accessible for jeepney operators; and the profit
generated is also higher considering the estimated daily expenses on fuel and fare. In the environmental
position, the BEEP and COMET E-Jeep are advantageous since the carbon emission of the lithium battery
operated vehicle is lower compared to diesel-operated.

Conclusions
Public Utility Vehicles are important in daily life of commuters; yet, the accessible fare cost
offered by these transits should not compromise the safety and security of the public. Based on the
tabulated information, the modernized jeepneys are more economical and cost-efficient versions of the
conventional jeepney. However, the purchasing cost of these units will be the burden for both operators
and drivers. Therefore, government assistance in the form of subsidy, not a loan, is required; since the
jeepney phase-out is part of the land transportation system reform.
In security and safety aspect, these modernized jeepneys are advantageous compare to the
conventional units since they are installed with security cameras, air suspension technology and the
payment system is machine automated. On the environmental side, the E-jeepneys are better since they
release lesser emissions compared to diesel-operated transits. Lithium-ion batteries have longer battery
life, more endurance, and can negotiate steep inclines with ease. Therefore, these units are more strategic
to use in steep and rough roads.
Compared to the conventional unit, the modernized jeepney is technically and environmentally
efficient. However, the three-year time frame in jeepney phase-out needs to be extended considering the
cost and economic status of the Philippines. Although the program aims for reform and commuter’s
safety, it is not attainable to replace the old units at once since the jeepney is public utility; hence it can
disrupt the schedule of commuters. To address the issue, the government should be financially prepared
and abled to continue the program for land transformation reform.
Trends Sci. 202x; xx(xx): xxxxx 4 of 4

Acknowledgements
The completion of this study is made possible by the guidance and instruction of Engineer Kuinee
Olaget, an instructor in Methods of Research for Mechanical Engineering. The researcher extends the
appreciation towards Pangasinan State University-Urdaneta City Campus for allowing this research about
transportation to be conducted. For the data about the modernized jeepney models, acknowledgement for
the respective companies who published the information online.

References
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[12] You are being redirected... (n.d.). You are being
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Names of 5-7 referees

1. Mehmet Sait Cengiz, Researcher at Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering,
Inonu University, Turkey, msaitcengiz@gmail.com
2. Dr. Aymen Flah, Researcher at University of Gabes, Tunisia, dr.aymen.flah@gmail.ieee.org
3. B.W.Zhou, Researcher at Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom,
bruce233x@gmail.com
4. Chunguang Lu, Researcher at Hebei United University, China, jxlcg@heuu.edu.cn
5. Jonas Ihlstrom, Researcher at Swedish Road and Transport Institute, Sweden,
jonas.ihlstrom@vti.se