Modern electricity and solar-powered jeeps will soon ply the roads across Panglao Island.
The Great Power Movers Transportation Corporation (GPMTC), along with Panglao local government officials, launched on Thursday 10 units of its 20-strong solar e-jeep fleet in Panglao as part of the national government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
“Ang gi-approve na franchise ani 20 ka units. Pero 10 pa ang naa,” said Danny Reyes, Panglao’s executive assistant on transportation.
According to Reyes, the jeeps will traverse an intra-Panglao Island loop to help the public including tourists to travel across the towns of Panglao and Dauis.
The non-air-conditioned 22-seater jeep, designed by green technology firm Star 8, offers free Wi-Fi and cellphone charging and is replete with a TV monitor, closed-circuit television camera and fans.
“Ang purpose ani, matagaan og kasayon sa pagsakay ang mga riding public na magtuyok-tuyok sa Panglao Island unya mura’g up and down ang pasahero,” he said.
Reyes said that the e-jeeps will likely start to ply the route on Friday and rides will be free for the first week.
Once formal operations start, minimum fair will be at P10.
Payment will be made through a card which can be activated through a loading system.
“Ang ga-operate sa sakyanan naa silay mga baligya na card. Unya pa-loadan ra na siya, mao nana siya ang gamiton, dili na cash ang ibayad,” said Reyes.
The GPMTC temporarily holds office at the Southwest Travel and Tours branch in Barangay Tawala and is planning to make the Bohol Panglao International Airport its units’ hub. (A. Doydora)