Manila, April 15, 2018 – In response to the Philippine government’s Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (PUVMP), a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) locator Elmer Francisco Industries (EFI) (formerly Francisco Motor Corporation) with the SEC registered trade name, Francisco Passenger Jeepney, announces a joint-venture agreement with technology service provider I-Pay MYEG Philippines Inc. (MYEG Philippines) to provide its Automated Fare Collection System designed for the Francisco Passenger Jeepney (FPJ).
L-R: (Slightly hidden) Obet Martin, President of Pasang Masda; Atty Aileen Lizada, Board Member of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; ASEC Mark De Leon, Department of Transportation; Elmer Francisco, Founder and Chairman of Elmer Francisco Industries; Ronald Allan Aquino, President, MYEG Philippines; Mr. Tereso O. Panga, Deputy Director General for Policy and Planning, Philippine Economic Zone Authority
The FPJ is EFI’s latest venture to boost the market for both electric-powered (QEV Tech) and Euro IV compliant diesel (Isuzu) powered jeepneys. Mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) the FPJ is manufactured to be environment-friendly and operate for the convenience and safety of the riding public. Among the convenience features of FPJ are free Wi-Fi, CCTV cameras, automated fare collection, air-conditioning for some units, speed limiters, and its electric or Euro IV compliant powertrain.
Through this partnership, MYEG Philippines will be the exclusive provider of Automated Fare Collection System for all the jeepneys manufactured by Francisco. The integrated ticketing system will utilize multi payment platforms that allows instant payment for jeepney passengers through e-wallet, NFC cards and QR payment methods.
“We are honored to be part of this historic moment in our country’s history. For decades, the Francisco Passenger Jeepney has been an icon in the Philippine transport industry. Our entry into the next generation PUV is our show of commitment that Francisco is here to stay and will continue with our commitment to serve the public with our new line of FPJs,” says Elmer Francisco, Founder and Chairman of EFI.
“It is with great pride to be in partnership with Francisco on their journey to the new and modern age of public transport. We are optimistic that this venture will bring both companies to new heights and bigger opportunities,” says Ronald Allan Aquino, President of MYEG Philippines.
The AFCS holds all solutions to automate and go seamless in the collection of fare payments. The real-time AFC System focuses on helping operators to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs. Embedding the AFCS technology into the PUVMP project largely benefits operators by ensuring daily collection for them and enabling financial institution to have a facility to collect amortization on their behalf.
These features illustrate the vision behind AFC which is based on an open architecture designed to allow an eco-system of payment apps and channels to integrate into the AFCS to provide the widest coverage and convenience to the passenger, driver and operator alike.
By introducing Francisco Passenger Jeepney to the public, EFI intends to focus on providing competitively-priced brand new jeepney to meet the need to replace outdated jeepneys with units that are compliant to the Clean Air Act.
Headed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) the government initiated the PUVMP last 2017. The primary goal of the program is to make the country’s public transportation system efficient and environmentally friendly by 2020.
Metro Manila Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT) started the operation “Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” which began apprehending and giving warnings to jeepneys that are at least 15 years old from streets last January 2018. The operation aims to modernize outdated jeepneys with newer alternatives with heavy consideration on public safety, comfort and environmentally friendly motors over the next three years.
Looking for a PR Agency in the Philippines that could help with your news and announcements? Contact our team and learn more what PR Strategy is fit for your brand.