BEEP electric jeeps may ply Manila roads this November

Lorraine Ann A. Dela Cruz

Gr. 10- St. Augustine

Comelec case an insult, says Poe camp

Mark Laurence V, Miciano

Gr. 10- St. Augustine

A new kind of jeepney called the BEEPshort for "Bagong Jeep"is targeted to
operate in Metro Manila streets this November.
In a report in News to Go, the features of the new vehicle set to replace the jeepneys,
hailed as "king of the streets," were shown. The most notable aspect of the BEEP is its
environment-friendly features.
The BEEP's lead-acid rechargeable battery, can go for up to 120 km and takes 8 hours
to fully top up. Overall, it is touted to run more quietly than a regular diesel-powered
jeep and has a lighter environmental impact.
The European model of the BEEP boasts a faster engine, but the Asian model is more
affordable.
"This is a private sector initiative," said Atty. Vigor Mendoza, Chairman of 1Team.
"Bottomline dito, pagandahin ang buhay nga ating mga kasamahan, at the same time,
tumulong sa issue ng environment. Kasi ang jeepney, ang tinutukoy nila, mausok."
Although it lacks the colorful designs that highlight the skill and showmanship of
Filipinos, the BEEP has the same seating capacity as the original jeepney. There is no
change in the fare that commuters have to pay, but the payment will be processed
electronically.
The drivers of the BEEP will have fixed wages, starting from P28,000 per month. They
will not have to rely on the boundary system, which is applied to the current jeepney
operation, the report said.
Under the boundary system, drivers hired to run the jeepneys pay the owner a boundary
fee for the use of the unit.

Chairman Atty. Mendoza clarified in the report that the BEEP will be replacing jeepneys,
and will not be considered a separate franchise.
"Ang ating modelo, ayaw nating ng bagong prangkisa," Mendoza said. "Ang gusto lang
natin papalitan ang mga luma, tanggalin natin sa daan at papalitan ng bago, para di na
tayo makapagdagdag ng sasakyan sa daan."
Presently, the BEEP has not begun its operations but authorities may start replacing old
jeeps as early as this month. The start of the BEEP's operations are set to be in
November, in time for the arrival of leaders of other countries for the APEC Summit.
"Simula itong buwan na ito, magsisimula na tayo mag-dropping ng substitution
hanggang maubos natin iyong lahat ng mga jeepney na nasa ilalim ng ating single
management system," Mendoza said.
The BEEP is estimated to cost as much as P600,000-700,000 per unit.
However, if the manufacturing has to be outsourced from outside the country, the cost
would increase to P1.6M each unit.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/533586/scitech/technology/beep-electric-jeepsmay-ply-manila-roads-this-november

Nowadays, pollution is such a big problem of ours, not only in our country, but in
others as well. I felt glad when I read about this because I know that this will be a great
help to lessen the pollution in our environment today that is mostly caused by the
jeepneys emitting harmful gases. This really amazed me because Also, it can help
reduce noise pollution in our busy roads, unlike the regular diesel-powered jeepneys
that roar like kings because of their monstrous engines. Truly, it is a very eco-friendly
vehicle.Its also good to know that the drivers who would be operating these will have
higher wages than those who rely on the boundary system.
Although it has some disadvantages because its very expensive and it doesnt
showcase the creativity of the Filipino in making colorful jeepneys, I believe in the long
run, we are the ones who will still benefit from this.