Two E-jeepneys roll out in QC

MANILA, July 20 (PNA) -– Electronically-run jeepneys took to the streets of Quezon City on Monday as part of the city government's bid to promote the use of ecologically friendly means of transportation.

Mayor Herbert "Bistek" Bautista led the test-drive of two E-jeepneys at the QC Hall grounds as part of the launching of the Project "Hatirang Bayan" of the city's Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD).

Bautista was joined in the same occasion by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and members of the City Council, some of whom are newly-elected or returning councilors who have reclaimed their old posts in the May 10 local elections.

New faces and returning members of the City Council include actors and now Councilors Roderick Paulate and Alfred Vargas, both of the city's 2nd District; broadcaster Precious Hipolito-Castelo, also of the 2nd District; businessman Allan Reyes and political scions Eufemio Lagumbay and Gian Sotto of the 3rd District; Anthony Crisologo of the 1st District, and come-backing Councilor Marvin Rillo.

Drei Po, acting chairman of the plans and program division of the EPWMD, said that beginning Tuesday, regular free rides in the E-jeepneys will be available in Barangay Vasra from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The route will be from the vicinity of the barangay hall near Visayas Avenue to Kalayaan Avenue near the Quezon City Hall of Justice and back.

In the afternoon, the public will continue to enjoy the free service from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. as the E-jeepneys will take the route from Kalayaan Avenue to Elliptical Road, Quezon Avenue, and ending at the Metro Rail Transit (PNA)