The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Ecodyip Inc. plans to expand its business by investing P2.2 billion in new modernized jeepneys to be deployed in new routes.
Richard S. Rosales, Ecodyip president, said they are investing P2.2 million for each unit of the modern jeepney from Indian vehicle manufacturer Mahindra.
“Right now, we have 100 units of modern jeepneys, but we have ordered an additional 150 more. We are also investing in 1,000 more units, which costs about P2.2 billion,” he said.
Broken down, the current fleet is composed of 50 Columbian Supro Dyip units and 50 Columbian Transmover Dyip units.
All of the vehicles feature air-conditioning, curbside-opening passenger doors, bench seats, grab handles, GPS tracking, Wifi connectivity, dash camera and passenger compartment CCTV cameras.
Branded as DyipKo, the jeepney units are currently deployed in the Eastwood-Capital Commons, and Lawton-Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange routes, both of which were officially awarded to the company.
Dennise C. Trajano, the company’s chairman, said his group is looking at vying for more routes that will be offered by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as part of its public-utility vehicle modernization program.
“We are mostly interested in the franchises in the National Capital Region,” he said. “But we are also looking at other routes.”
DyipKo aims to hire existing jeepney drivers, train them on the technicalities of driving, safe measures and proper etiquette in dealing with passengers so they can have a comfortable and safe ride experience while supporting the implementation of government programs and policies.