"Pilot test of alternative fuel PUVs to start in March"

**fourtheboys96** · February 28th, 2012 05:51 PM

This is a good first step. I am an economist by training but I think we should move away with strictly cash cost comparisons among different alternatives. We can include other benefits from shifting to LPG such as lower emissions, etc.

Considering how polluting and energy inefficient our PUJs are (maybe due to old engines and design of the PUJ itself), there is a lot of potential to lessen the tailpipe and the overall emission level from the road transport. And if we are innovative enough, we can use this to generate funds to subsidize the conversion of PUJs (or PUVs) from conventional diesel to LPG or even electric.

I am currently doing my masters research on LEVs although it is for privately used vehicles. Initial results show that there is aversion towards AutoLPG but I personally believe AutoLPG is the most feasible way towards a cleaner transport system. The basic infrastructure exists at least in Metro Manila. The government just have to properly regulate the quality of LPG systems installed and enforce maintenance and inspections systems to prevent what is happening in some taxi cabs with LPG systems which I think is the cause of the misconception about AutoLPGs.

**ghosthunter** · February 28th, 2012 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by fourtheboys96

This is a good first step. I am an economist by training but I think we should move away with strictly cash cost comparisons among different alternatives. We can include other benefits from shifting to LPG such as lower emissions, etc.

Considering how polluting and energy inefficient our PUJs are (maybe due to old engines and design of the PUJ itself), there is a lot of potential to lessen the tailpipe and the overall emission level from the road transport. And if we are innovative enough, we can use this to generate funds to subsidize the conversion of PUJs (or PUVs) from conventional diesel to LPG or even electric.

I am currently doing my masters research on LEVs although it is for privately used vehicles. Initial results show that there is aversion towards AutoLPG but I personally believe AutoLPG is the most feasible way towards a cleaner transport system. The basic infrastructure exists at least in Metro Manila. The government just have to properly regulate the quality of LPG systems installed and enforce maintenance and inspections systems to prevent what is happening in some taxi cabs with LPG systems which I think is the cause of the misconception about AutoLPGs.

A major step to a solution is to completely phase out the public utility jeepney and have them replaced by mini-buses. Or in the bare minimum, replace the ancient jeepney with a more modern vehicle that is designed for the purpose. Unfortunately, either solution requires political will which no politician will want to do if they want to have a political future.

**fourtheboys96** · February 28th, 2012 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by ghosthunter

A major step to a solution is to completely phase out the public utility jeepney and have them replaced by mini-buses. Or in the bare minimum, replace the ancient jeepney with a more modern vehicle that is designed for the purpose. Unfortunately, either solution requires political will which no politician will want to do if they want to have a political future.

I agree but unfortunately, we have to take actions based on existing political and economic environment which is sadly not conducive to reforms in the transport sector.

But small projects can be a good start which other towns or cities or organizations can follow if successful.

**fourtheboys96** · February 28th, 2012 06:22 PM

And if I may add further, there other important factors that we should consider for any proposed solution to be sustainable. Factors such as displacement of jeepney drivers (alam ko madami galit sa mga ito pero pag wala na silang kita baka mag resort pa sa mas masahol na gawain), road designs (can it accommodate mini-buses, e-jeep, etc), land uses (magaganda land use plans natin pero hindi naman ma-implement) and of course cost implications.

**Mguy** · February 28th, 2012 06:48 PM

I wished they would immediately replace the jeepney with these on selected places.

Now if they convert these to either LPG or CNG, ayos sana. These Beeps can carry 26 passengers (18 seating, 8 standing) and can replace 2-3 jeepneys on the road.