Pangilinan-backed firm sees more e-jeepneys plying metro roads
Buoyed by the recent capital infusion from Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), modern jeepney operator Byahe plans to expand its fleet to 500 electric vehicles in the next two to three years.
Byahe, registered as On-Us Solutions Inc., is counting on MPTC’s purchase of a minority albeit important stake to support its expansion of Euro-4 compliant fleet and acquisition of new e-jeepneys as it ramps up its route network. Euro-4 is part of a set of standards that limits a vehicle’s toxic gas emissions.
Byahe currently has 30 modernized and Euro-4 compliant jeepneys plying over eight routes across Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.
The company plans to grow this to a 200-jeepney fleet in the near term. And in the next two to three years, Byahe said 500 vehicles under its management should already be plying 20 to 30 routes.
‘Here to modernize’
MPTC invested in Byahe through its mobility services unit MPT Mobility Corp. The percentage of ownership and the transaction value were not disclosed.
“With Metro Pacific Tollways’ support, we are looking forward to the next step in our journey of providing safe, comfortable, reliable and predictable public transport system to Filipino commuters with the use of modern jeepneys. We’re here to modernize, not only the carriers, but also the operations with fleet management solutions that will standardize the service,” Byahe CEO Laurence Bahia said.
Sustainable public transport
The Pangilinan-led firm’s investment is part of the group’s initiative to support sustainable transportation and mobility solutions.
This came after the launch of its mobile app MPT Drivehub, which integrates MPTC’s expressway and mobility products and services in a digital platform.
“We believe there is immense value in what Byahe could create for the improvement of Filipino lives. They have started strong with a well-thought strategy, have been executing well even through the pandemic and we’re excited to support them on this clean, green journey,” MPTC president and CEO Rodrigo Franco said.
Byahe, founded by IP Ventures CEO Enrique Gonzalez and former Grab Philippines CEO Brian Cu, is a platform that aims to make public transportation services network sustainable by connecting jeepney operators, creditors, jeepney manufacturers, government and commuters.
