BALANGA CITY – A major shopping mall here on Sunday has launched their Metro Express modernized jeeps for its shoppers and homeowners.
Vista Mall Bataan, thru their Facebook Page post, informed the public about the modern features of these initial fleet of their new transportation mode which boasts of being “equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, Wi-Fi, Global Positioning System or GPS, automatic fare collection system (AFCS), TV monitors, PWD-friendly and are fully air-conditioned.”
These new public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are said to be in support to the Duterte government’s transport modernization program and will be deployed in four new routes soon.
“Enjoy trips from Mariveles, Orani, Balanga terminal, Pilar to Vistamall Bataan, soon!,” the Facebook post stated.
In the Visayas particularly in Iloilo City, a related project of Vista Mall was launched last year led by former Senate President and Vista Land owner Manny Villar with the Department of Transportation (DoTr) officials and its attached agency, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The initial 15 units of brand new PUJs — which look more like mini-buses — operates under the MexJeep label and comply with the latest guidelines set by the Bureau of Product Standards.
Every vehicle unit has a tall floor-to-ceiling height for added space even for standing passengers. It likewise utilizes side-facing seats and provisions for wheelchairs and the aforementioned standing riders.
It also has a side-facing door instead of the usual rear-facing one found on most jeepneys. The opening is located on the right side, allowing ingress and egress on the sidewalk for added safety.