Manufacturer offers electric jeepneys with flexible payment terms to help in PUV modernization

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) — A local manufacturer wants to help jeepney drivers and operators to modernize their units without having to shell out too much money or incur debts.

Speaking to CNN Philippines’ The Source, Elmer Francisco, owner of Francisco Motors, said their jeepney models embody modernization as it is already fully electric. These also have other features that will ease travel of commuters all for ₱985,000.

Francisco Motors has been manufacturing jeepneys in the Philippines since 1947. It is one of the local companies starting the shift from the traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles to modern, electric ones.

Its 22-seater jeepneys feature a ramp for persons with disability, air conditioning, a CCTV for security, a dashcam, and an automated fare collection system. Instead of the usual entrance at the back, their units have their entrance at the front right side.

Francisco said their jeepneys can also accommodate up to eight standing passengers, meaning it will be able to transport up to 30 people.

Also a key feature of Francisco Motors’ jeepneys is that these retain the iconic look of the so-called “Hari ng Kalsada” (King of the Road). These come in a white canvass that allows its owners to design them whatever they want, Francisco said.

He said these models were already inspected and approved by the government. Its prototype was launched in 2018, he noted.

When it comes to payment, Francisco said drivers and operators do not have to worry because they have flexible and interest-free terms. Since the government will be providing a ₱280,000 subsidy, they will only have to pay for the ₱705,000 balance that they can pay in installments for as low as ₱10,000 per month depending on their route, he said.

“Ang lifespan kasi ng Francisco jeepney goes beyond 15 years so maybe it's safe to saybayad na nila yan 10-15 years,” Francisco said.

[Translation: The lifespan of Francisco jeepney goes beyond 15 years so maybe it's safe to say they will be able to pay for it in 10-15 years.]

Francisco Motors jeepneys are much cheaper than the modern jeepneys that cost ₱2 million or more.

Meanwhile, the company owner said their units are