A VACANT lot owned by a department store in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City will be used for free by the government as terminal for electronic jeepneys (e-jeepneys) that will start running on Friday, Feb. 8.

This is the City Government’s counterpart in the National Government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.

The solar-powered e-jeepneys, which cost P1.9 million each, will be operated by the United Drivers and Operators Transport Cooperative (Udotco).

Udotco will give commuters a free ride for a week in time for Valentine’s Day.

The e-jeepneys will ply the Mactan Circumferential Highway and other routes, including routes to and from Cordova.

Mayor Paz Radaza said the City Government and Gaisano Capital Mactan inked an agreement allowing the jeepney supplier to use its 3,000-square-meter lot on Sangi New Road as the terminal for 25 years.

Star 8 Green Techonology Corp., the e-jeepney supplier, will install the charging stations in the terminal and employ technicians who will man the repair room.

The mayor and Udotco officials will sign a memorandum of agreement, promising they will cooperate to ensure the successful operation of the modern PUVs. (From FVQ of SuperBalita Cebu, KAL)