REGION 10-based public transport cooperative Mindanao Daily Express (Mindex) is now one step away from its dream of providing modern commuting in Cagayan de Oro City.
This, after it recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with e-Future Motors PH, Inc. for the delivery of 50 e-vehicles that resemble a modern jeepney, dubbed as the pambansang sasakyan ng Pilipinas.
The MOA was signed in front of several witnesses including members of the media last March 7 inside a function room at Xavier Estates Clubhouse here.
Mindex chairman of the board Dante Sudaria represented the public transport cooperative while e-Future Motors PH, Inc. was represented by its chief executive officer Shin Bongkyun.
“Our operators can really save on cost by using e-jeep. At the same time, it is environment friendly. Compared to internal combustion engines, all-electric motors feature fewer moving parts which equate to less routine maintenance costs. These motors do not require starters, fuel pumps and exhaust systems so drivers don’t have to worry about these components wearing out over time,” Shin said.
Previously, Mindex and e-Future Motors PH, Inc. had already signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the matter.
MOA is a legally binding document while MOU is a non-binding agreement that outlines the intention of two or more parties to work together towards a common goal which serves as a preliminary before creating a formal contract. e-Future Motors PH, Inc. is a South Korean firm that engages in the manufacture of e-jeepneys.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 10 director abosasmen Matuan lauded the effort of Mindex as the first transport cooperative to use e-vehicles in support of the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).
The electric vehicles offered by e-Future Motors PH, Inc. come with modern features like a CCTV system, air conditioning, GPS, automatic fare collection system and more, making them a smart choice for sustainable urban mobility.
The 50 units will be used to ply within Cagayan de Oro City in 11 routes as approved under the local pubic transport route plan. They are Cugman, Bayabas, Bonbon, Iponan, Tagoloan, Jasaan, Villanueva, Lapasan and Alae.
