The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has authorized the Novaliches-based Speed Wheelers Transport Corp. (SWTC) to deploy 10 of its 36 air-conditioned, electronic, and environment-friendly jeepneys or mini-buses to ply the Novaliches-Cubao-Farmers Market (Quezon City) route.

In support of the “Libreng Sakay” (free ride) program of the Department of Transportation, LTFRB, and other government agencies, the SWTC’s e-jeepneys are providing free rides to daily commuters between Novaliches and MRT North Trinoma and Cubao-Araneta City and vice versa.

The SWTC management said the conductors of their 36 e-jeepneys are no longer collecting fares from passengers under Phase 3 of the Service Contracting Program directed by Transportation Secretary Art Tugade.

Under the program, drivers and operators of public transport vehicles are given incentives based on the number of trips made every week, with or without passengers.

Under the “Libreng Sakay” program, Novaliches’ commuters can save PHP35 and PHP40 when going to Trinoma North EDSA and Cubao, respectively, and vice versa.

The SWTC acquired its 36 modern e-jeepneys through financing from the Land Bank of the Philippines under the Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Each unit has a seating capacity of 25, including the driver.

The SWTC-operated PUVs do not pass through the Quirino Highway in Novaliches and thus do not add to its daily congestion.

Among those benefiting from the SWTC fleet services are employees and other daily commuters from Novaliches and North Caloocan City who usually have trouble getting a ride, especially in the morning and evening.

The e-jeepneys have their terminal near the entrance to the Millionaires’ Village along Gen. Luis Street, opposite the SaveMore Mall-Novaliches.

From the Novaliches terminal, the PUVs traverse 2 km. of Gen. Luis Street, turn left at Katipunan Avenue extension in Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon, pass through Sierra Vista subdivision, California in San Bartolome, Goodwill, and Kingspoint in Bagbag until reaching Mindanao Avenue extension in Barangay Talipapa, from where they cross the Quirino Highway on their way to their terminal at MRT Trinoma near the corner of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and North Avenue in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa.

On the other hand, the vehicles bound for the Cubao-Farmers Market turn left to Tandang Sora Avenue from Mindanao Avenue, then right to Visayas Avenue toward the QC Circle, and Kalayaan Avenue to Cubao. (PNA)