Green ride, affordable fare: MMSU to launch E-Jeepneys on Batac campus
By Michael Visaya
To create a campus mobility system that is safe, accessible, efficient, and environmentally responsible, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) will launch an affordable electronic jeepney (e-jeep) service around the Batac campus starting the academic year 2025 to 2026.
As part of a research project and the Sustainable University Mobility Program (SUMP), the university will purchase two e-jeepneys to be used by employees, students, and the community in its initial implementation.
Among the features of the e-jeepney are cashless payment via radio-frequency identification (RFID) and a tracker application that provides details on departure and arrival times, available seats, and routes.
The provision of the initial two e-jeepneys will also be part of research on stakeholders’ preferences among various forms of sustainable mobility, such as riding e-bikes or walking via catwalks connecting the colleges.
Additionally, the program specifically aims to promote clean and sustainable transportation, encourage physical activity for a healthier lifestyle, and raise awareness of sustainable transportation practices.
The initiative is also expected to reduce MMSU’s carbon footprint as part of its contribution to global climate change mitigation efforts, in line with the university’s mandate to provide the best alternative solutions for a clean environment through healthy and localized approaches.
MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. emphasized that the initiative highlights the university’s commitment to sustainability, especially as one of the institutions ranked in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, World University Rankings for Innovation, and UI GreenMetric.
“We will ensure that the transportation fee is affordable for students and employees so we can also support them in traveling across colleges or units,” Dr. Manzano said.
Written By:
STRATCOM
