The electric vehicle industry is finally getting some love from the government which is now more actively supporting its development.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is stepping up support for the electrification of public and private transport.
At the 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, DOTr Road Transport Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said that the department was working with the Departments of Energy (DOE) and the Trade and Industry (DTI) on the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry or CREVI.
The CREVI will ensure provisions and implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) are effectively implemented, Pastor said.
The DOTr commits to drive and support a multi-sectoral approach in the development, commercialization, and utilization of electric vehicles in support of the EVIDA, Pastor said.
In a separate event, DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista pledged the department’s support for the adoption of electric EVs in public transport and by private motorists.
During the launch of the first mall-based free charging stations for electric vehicles at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Bautista said the promotion of electric vehicles is part of national development plan for the industry.
With EVIDA and CREVI, the DOTr cannot be said to be just paying lip service in expressing support for the electric vehicle industry.
Ride-hailing slots
There were not enough takers the last time the LTFRB opened new slots for TNVS units. But with traffic worsening and complaints from commuters continuing to mount, the LTFRB is reconsidering its decision to close down the window for applications.
Earlier in the year, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board opened 7,000 new slots for Transport Network Vehicle Service units.
But only around 2,000 slots were taken up by TNVS operators. The deadline came and went without new applications to fill up the remaining slots prompting the LTFRB to close the window.
However, according to published reports, the LTFRB is not totally closing the door on possibly reopening the window for applications.
The reports said LTFRB technical division chief Joel Bolano has revealed that the board is currently studying whether or not to reopen applications.
Meanwhile, a commuter group, The Passenger Forum, continues to complain about the surge fees or surcharges being imposed by TNVS operators.
The commuter group blamed the lack of TNVS units on the road for the skyrocketing fares for ride-hailing services.
Transport Network Companies like Grab can charge up double the fare matrix when demand for TNVS units is high.
Grab and other existing ride-hailing services have it so good with surge pricing. Meanwhile, the LTFRB and other observers are seemingly clueless about why few are interested in applying to operate TNVS units.
Next-gen Fords
Ford just flexed the capabilities of the Everest and the Ranger by holding the NextGeneration Ford Drive Experience.
Motoring jornos got to test the next generation Everest and Ranger on a drive from the Clark Freeport Zone to San Marcelino in Zambales and back.
The drive took lucky participants up to Lake Mapanuepe and experience driving both SUV and pickup through various road conditions and terrain.
For the Everest, the better to be immersed in its various drive modes, features and driver-assist technologies. The drive afforded participants the chance to see how such features as Mud/Ruts Mode on muddy lahar trails and to test its Water Wading Capability.
For the Ranger, it was the Parking Exercises that showed how the next gen pickup has features that make parking a breeze.
Mark Breen, Ford Philippines managing director said the next generation Ford Drive Experience allowed media partners to experience the full capabilities of both the next gen Ranger and Everest in real driving conditions while showcasing their versatility, reliability, safety and connectivity.
Happy Motoring!!!
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