Here comes the ‘Beep’
The jeepney has been a part of the Philippine transport scene for several decades. It is the most accessible means of public transport but at the same time it is a major source of pollution and traffic congestion on the road. It is also one of the most unsafe vehicles in the world considering that it lacks the modern safety equipment produced through the years.
The jeepney was born in the aftermath of World War II. Enterprising Filipino craftsmen converted the Willys Jeep into a passenger service vehicle. From a six-seater vehicle, the size of the jeepney has expanded to 12 or even 24, without following certain safety engineering standards. The jeepney today retains the basic style of Willys Jeep using locally fabricated body parts and chassis from scrap Canter-class diesel engines, driveline and steering components from Japan.
I grew up with the jeepney alternating it with buses which I took during high school and college but how I wish we had adopted a more convenient and safer mode of commuting. Of course, there were the FX shuttles in the mid 90s but here operators pack 10 to 14 persons in a small airconditioned utility vehicle giving the passengers only slight relief. We also have the air-conditioned jeepneys introduced a few years ago but these also retained the cramped passenger seating arrangements. There are an estimated 400,000 jeepneys in the country, according to the Department of Transportation and Communications. Of these, 70,000 are in Metro Manila but some 300,000 operate in and around Metro Manila on regular operating hours.
There have been attempts in the past to use more buses as alternative to the jeepney because the former can carry more passengers but these moves failed consistently for various reasons. Dante Santos, vice president for vehicles sales operations of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) cited the following: Big buses are ill suited for narrow city roads and would clog them causing further slowing down of vehicular traffic flow. Buses have high initial costs and operation calls for few high capital operators. The move is also opposed by jeepney operators that they will displace. The bus alternative means more used buses for Metro Manila which will have no impact on modernization, pollution improvement and local value added from domestic manufacturing.
I know only of one place in Metro Manila where the bus succeeds as a short distance commuter service and this is in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. If you notice, air-conditioned buses ply the Ayala-EDSA- The Fort route on 20 or so-minute intervals for a number of years now and The Fort has succeeded in banning jeepneys in its vicinity.
Now here comes the "Beep," from the words "bus" and "jeep" as the latest alternative to the jeepneys and buses. The ‘Beep’ is a collaboration between Almazora Motors Corporation (AMC), a leading bus body manufacturer and MMPC for a viable alternative for the popular jeepney.
It is a micro-sized bus which is suitable for the crowded metropolis. It was designed for the primary purpose of modernizing Metro Manila’s public transport. Inspired by the European Gruau Microbus which exemplifies safety, convenience and modernism, the Beep is designed for use as city passenger service. It has a seating capacity of 26 passengers (seating for 18 including driver and standing for 8). The Beep body is locally designed and manufactured by AMC, while the chassis is supplied by Mitsubishi Motors using brand new Fuso Canter light duty truck complies fully with Philippine emission and safety regulations.
The Beep responds as a feasible option to alleviate pollution and also the worsening traffic problem in Metro Manila with its appropriate size and compliance to emission standards. Even our government recognizes that the jeepney is a problem that has defied solution. The DOTC has reported that jeepneys contribute 50 percent of the pollution in Metro Manila. Also the traffic flow in Metro Manila is worsened by oversized jeepneys with excessive turning radius that usually clog the U-turn slots and intersections.
The general commuting public’s comfort and safety were considered in developing the Beep. It has a high roof and low flooring which makes the interior roomier allowing for standing passengers easily. Here are the other key features: the Beep rides on the Fuso Canter 4-wheeler truck chassis; the engine complies with the current Euro emission standard; it has an ergonomically-placed steering wheel, shift knob and center instrument panel controls; spacious interior and large door openings that offer passengers ease and comfort; high roof and wrap around clear window styling makes the interior roomier and lessens the blind spots; functional seating layout with bench type seats, vertical and horizontal grab handles and ceiling mounted air conditioner vents for a relaxing ride.
Froy Dytianquin, MMPC assistant VP for marketing, says the Beep is also targeted to the new commuting passengers whom are expected to shift from private to public transportation as fuel costs are expected to become higher in the future. These commuters are anticipated to require public transport that are better than current buses and jeepneys and are willing to pay higher fares for better service.
The initial price of the Beep is around P1.6 million. Though it is double the price of a brand new FX unit, the Beep has double revenue potential since it has more seating capacity. Return of investment is expected to be faster because of higher revenue compared to jeepneys. Dytianquin adds, "Since the Beep utilizes entirely new truck chassis and engine, vehicle financing is also possible thru the banks." Banks normally do not allow financing for even brand-new jeepneys since it is backyard assembled and utilizes surplus components.
"MMPC aims to fulfill its role as an automotive industry mover in the Philippine economy and society through the introduction of this Beep," Masahiko Ueki, MMPC president and CEO, said. "The auto industry should not only care about selling brand new vehicles but also take a lead role in improving the mass transport system. And since no assembler has really pursued to modernize the public transportation, MMPC as a socially responsible automotive company has collaborated with Almazora to come up with a better solution for mass transportation." Ueki added.
DOTC assistant secretary Bert Suansing, the head of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, welcomed the new vehicle model, saying the commuting public and the environment will benefit if operators shift to the Beep. For one, it can lessen the number of jeepneys in the city since one Beep can accommodate the passengers of two jeepneys. Since the driver can also open and close the door by pulling a remote handle, the unsafe practice of some commuters who hang on to the rear of jeepneys during rush hours can be prevented.
AMC has started to accept orders but MMPC declined to project its targeted sales for 2010 when the Beeps will be available. It will be quite a sight when the Beep gradually replaces the smoke-belching jeepneys in some areas like Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao and Baguio.
The Beep can be considered as a revolutionary product as it proposes to offer a better alternative to the mass transport system we have been accustomed to.