The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) engaged researchers from the University of the Philippines in 2023 to reexamine the feasibility of adopting electric jeepneys (e-jeepneys) in the Philippine public transport system – this resulted to three case studies that document and feature the experience of early adopters of e-jeepneys in the country.
Video documentaries were also produced by ICSC that feature emerging business models of e-jeepney adoption in various cities across the country, in particular: General Santos City; Lapu-Lapu City; Muntinlupa City; and Las Piñas City.
These case studies and video documentaries are launched by ICSC in March 14, 2024 in an event titled “Revisiting the Experiences of E-Jeepney Adoption in Public Transport in the Philippines: Lessons and Ways Forward,” which serves as venue for national government agencies, local governments, transport cooperatives, electric vehicle developers, and civil society to discuss and collaborate in shaping a public transport system that is more efficient, inclusive, and empowering for all stakeholders.
The E-Jeepney Initiative of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities: A Case Study of a Pioneering Contribution to Inclusive Energy Transition in the Philippines’ Public Transport
by Maria Rosario Felizco
This report draws on the ten-year experience (from 2007 to 2017) of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (formerly Green Renewable Independent Power Producer, Inc. or GRIPP) in pioneering the adoption of e-jeepneys in the country, which identified intricacies and substantial unpredictability inherent in introducing innovative and inclusive urban transportation solutions.
The Economics of E-Jeepney Transport Operations: Business Models, Enabling Factors, and Current Challenges
by Sandy Mae Gaspay and Arse John Salison
This report looks at documenting and examining current business models and cost-benefit analyses of operating e-jeepney transport fleets by one transport joint venture and three cooperatives, including sources of financing and investment structures that are currently operating in key cities in the Philippines (General Santos City; Lapu-Lapu City; Muntinlupa City; and Las Piñas City). The study examines the economic costs and benefits and identifies operational challenges that hamper the sustainability of their fleet operations.
Enabling Policy and Governance Environment for E-Vehicle Adoption and Integration in Public Transport
by Ma. Sheilah Gaabucayan-Napalang and Wryanne Jasmine Lopez
Drawing lessons from the experience of cooperatives and corporations currently operating electric jeepneys on city routes, this report focuses on analyzing the current enabling policy and governance environment for e-vehicle adoption and integration in public transport. It also provides policy recommendations to address current operational barriers faced by e-jeepney cooperatives/corporations, as well as ensuring e-jeepney operations are compatible with clean air and climate commitments of the country.
ICSC: Systems change and stakeholder empowerment are needed for more sustainable public transport
QUEZON CITY, March 14, 2024 – Integrating electric vehicles, particularly electric jeepneys (e-jeepneys), in the country’s public transportation system will require systems transformation; thorough analyses of its economic and social impact; active participation and collaboration of all stakeholders, including transport workers, cooperatives, and commuters; and proper leadership and governance, according to a series of reports launched by Manila-based think tank Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).
Journey to a Progressive and Clean Public Transport for All
The Metro GenSan Transport Cooperative (MGTC) has been changing public transport in General Santos City since 2014. From just 36 tricycle drivers, they now have 228 members driving electric vehicles along two routes in the city.
In the first of three videos featuring stories on e-jeepney adoption in public transport, hear the good news from MGTC’s General Manager Orlanda Sabelita, Battery Charging Officer Edison Dinatil, and Driver Julieto on how being part of the cooperative and shifting to a cleaner and just public transport system has improved their lives and livelihoods.
Plus, there’s a new project in progress: a solar-powered station called the Dream Drivers’ Village, which can help power the city’s public transport system.
The Power of Alliance and Bayanihan to Fix Public Transport Woes
Find out the good news from General Santos City, where transport cooperatives are working together to solve financial issues in their transition to electric jeepneys.
In the second story on e-jeepney adoption in Philippine public transport, representatives from various cooperatives that form the Public Transport Alliance of GenSan (PTAG) explain how alliance-building with the local government and collective action among themselves helped make the switch to reliable e-jeepney services smoother and cost-effective.
New Lease on Battery Life for E-Jeepney
From General Santos City, we head to Muntinlupa and Las Piñas in Metro Manila, where a reliable, fast-charging lithium battery system is in full swing for its electric jeepney units.
Chairman Ernesto Saw Jr. from the South Metro Transport Cooperative (SMTC) guides us through this affordable and innovative piece of technology for public transport in ICSC’s third video on e-jeepney adoption.