Bacolod City will be seeing an additional 45 units of modernized jeepneys built by JMC plying their roads as some jeepney operators have taken the leap to move from traditional jeepneys to modern ones. These new jeepneys will ply the Punta-Taytay-Central Market; San Dionisio-Sta. Fe-Central Market and Eroreco-Central Market routes.
Choret Corporation, a transport corporation founded by couple Ma. Corazon and Ermin Ocalinas pioneered the operation of the modernized jeepneys in Bacolod City, building their fleet from a single unit up to their current fleet of 76 jeepneys.
The massive fleet was made possible by the consolidation of several traditional jeepney operators who joined the Ocalinas couple in transitioning from both traditional to modern jeepneys as well as transitioning to the corporate world.
According to Ma. Corazon Ocalinas, the Land Transportation Franchising Board provided them with 123 franchise slots, part of it was the new 45 units that they launched at Ayala Malls Capitol Central on February 3 which was considered as its second batch of units.
“We have to change with the times and move forward because we have all commitments not just for ourselves but also for the commuting public. As operators, you commit to providing the riding public with safe, efficient, convenient, and environment-friendly public transportation. The modern units are delivering those commitments to the riding public.”
Choret Corporation is on the move to fully shift towards modern jeepneys, citing that providing safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly transportation is a commitment that PUV operators must always keep in mind. These modernized jeepneys will also be cashless in the near future to prevent potential pilferage and conflict arising from loose change or availing of the 20 percent discount for senior citizens and students.
Bacolod City is on its way to building the future foundations of a modernized jeepney fleet, hopefully, modernized jeepneys will start cropping up in other parts of the Philippines.
