Manila Electric Co’s (Meralco) electric vehicle subsidiary eSakay launched on Friday a fleet of electric jeepneys to service commuters traveling between the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong.

eSakay electric jeepneys will provide service from Buendia MRT Station to Mandaluyong City Hall route for a minimum fare of P9.00 starting Jan. 18, Meralco said.

The project aims to establish the company as an end-to-end vehicle solutions provider, said Chairman of the board Manuel Pangilinan.

“The government’s thrust in implementing the PUV modernization program opens up the opportunity to shift towards the safer, sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system,” Pangilinan said.

“Meralco has been supportive because we believe EVs have a place amongst PUVs,” he added.

The e-jeepneys can carry up to 40 passengers and can run up to 100 km with a fully charged battery, Meralco said.

Other features of the said vehicle include: onboard Wifi, automated fare collection system, GPS tracking system, CCTV cameras, as well as USB ports for passengers wanting to charge their mobile devices.

The Department of Transportation said the effort is in accordance with its “relentless effort” to provide quality, safe and environment-friendly transport under the government’s PUV modernization program.