Traffic has always been one of the irritating scenarios every filipinos encounter. It’s not just because it is time consuming, but also it consumes more fuel for car drivers.
In that case, people would prefer to take an alternative way of commuting by taking a bus or jeepney on their way to their daily destination.
Luckily, a new transit way has come for people in Makati and Mandaluyong City.
Allianz PNB Life, the world’s most sustainable insurer for three straight years recently partnered with eSakay to launch seven Electric-jeepneys (or E-jeepneys).
“Allianz has always been supportive of environmental sustainability. Through these E-jeepneys, we are offering Filipinos cleaner and greener alternatives to get to their destinations within two major business areas in Metro Manila,” said Allianz PNB Life President and Chief Executive Officer Alexander Grenz.
According to Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) Operations Head Yuri Sarmiento, it was in 2010 when they introduced the electric vehicle eSakay.
“At that time, we started the Green Route here in Makati, covering Legaspi and Salcedo Village. We initially had three vehicles that provided free rides. Now, we are glad that with the help of companies such as Allianz PNB Life, we are able to sustain our efforts in transitioning to green alternatives of mass transportation,” Sarmiento said.
He also said that the initial objective for the deployment was to present an alternative technology to run vehicles that can help address the problem of air pollution.
As for PNB Life, the E-jeepney is just one of their corporate social responsibility activities with great cocnern of the environment.
“As a global company, Allianz has always been mindful about its impact on the communities it serves, especially today with the threat of climate change. We are glad to have found a partner in eSakay to promote our message of environmental sustainability, and we are looking forward to launching more projects that will lead to a healthier planet,” Grenz concluded.
Apart from being an environment-friendly vehicle, e-jeepneys also ensures the comfort for passengers. Each vehicle can accomodate 23 seaters and up to 10 standing passengers.
For the security of the passengers, eSakays are equipped with a dash cam, GPS tracking system and CCTV cameras.
There’s no need to worry with the heat while on transit as there are multiple fans installed plus they offer internet access to all passengers. USB ports are also available for charging if your phone batteries are running low. How cool is that? Not only did it limit the cause of air pollution but it also gives much comfort for every passenger.
“We are also developing software that would allow passengers to download an app so that they can monitor the vehicles,” Sarmiento said.
eSakay will soon be launching an electronic payment system as well. Currently, passengers pay their fares in cash. The minimum fare is PhP9, the same as that of regular jeepneys.
Aside from the Makati and Mandaluyong routes, there are on-going planning sessions to bring the E-jeepneys to Pampanga next year.
With such engagement, The Allianz Group achieved the top position among all rated insurance companies in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the third time in a row since 2017. The DJSI is one of the world’s most recognized sustainability ratings. Part of the assessment is to consider a wide range of economic, environment and social topics.
