Hyundai Asia Resources, Incorporated (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai trucks and buses in the Philippines, is on the move to bolster the government’s bid to modernize public transport via the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
HARI, in partnership with the Hyundai Trucks and Buses Cabanatuan dealership, recently turned over 10 units of its Class 2 HD50S Modern Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) to the Tayug Pangasinan Transport Cooperative (TAPTRANSCO), one of the area’s newest transport groups to immediately respond to their local government’s transport modernization initiatives.
The event was widely celebrated as a milestone for the local government, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and TAPTRANSCO in their collective effort to support the PUVMP.
In attendance were local government and transport group leaders who reiterated their support for the PUVMP which, on a larger scale, is envisioned to uplift the livelihood and well-being of drivers, the commuting public, and the community.
A historic achievement
LTFRB Region 1 Director Nasrudin Talipasan, CSEE, commended the hard work of TAPTRANSCO, the Pangasinan LGU, and key government agencies behind the successful turnover. Director Talipasan expressed hopes that this activity be one of many to take place in Pangasinan and the rest of the nation.
Pangasinan Municipal Mayor Carlos Trece R. Mapili congratulated the transport cooperative for being the first to roll out modern PUVs in eastern Pangasinan.
Former congresswoman of the 6th District of Pangasinan, Attorney Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, who represented incumbent Congressman Tyrone D. Agabas, described the turnover as a feat in the province’s legacy of service to the commuting public.
Mr. Manuelito B. De Vera, TAPTRANSCO Board of Director, thanked those who helped make the “hard work, dreams, and aspirations” of all those in the community “to have a cooperative in our livelihood in the line of transportation realized and fulfilled.”
In response, Mr. Dennis San Juan, President of Hyundai Trucks and Buses Cabanatuan, assured that their dealership shall work to ensure the road-worthiness of Hyundai Modern PUVs through proactive after-sales assistance.
HARI President and CEO, Ms. Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, through HARI Commercial Vehicle (CV) Fleet Sales Head Ms. Pamela Dacanay, described the entry of Hyundai Modern PUVs in Pangasinan as a sign of more good things to come. “The long wait is over. Narito na po ang ating sama-samang arangkada sa pagbabago, katuwang ang TAPTRANSCO at ang bayan ng Pangasinan (Together, we journey towards change, in partnership with TAPTRANSCO and Pangasinan).”
A video message from Mr. Eugene M. Pabualan, Executive Director II of the Office of the Transportation Cooperatives, emphasized that Pangasinan’s support of the government’s PUVMP is a big help towards redefining the transport system, not only for the good of transport groups and commuters, but ultimately, for the betterment of the nation.
The program was concluded on a high note by Attorney Anabel Marzan-Nullar, LTFRB RFRO1 Transportation Development Officer, who expressed her utmost support for the PUVMP and transport cooperatives like TAPTRANSCO that help shape modern mobility towards advancing the development of communities.
All set for a Better Normal
The community of Pangasinan anticipates that the presence of the Hyundai HD50S Modern PUV Class 2 shall help connect commuters to more opportunities that shall pave the way for progress, in spite of the challenges of the pandemic.
Powered by a 2.9-liter Euro 4-compliant CRDi engine, the HD50S Modern PUV Class 2 provides better fuel efficiency, reliability, and cleaner emissions. It is designed for enhanced stability and power-to-weight ratio, boasting a 3,415-millimeter wheelbase. The vehicle also features roof-mounted air conditioning, Wi-Fi module/router, GPS tracker, CCTV cameras, 7-inch monitor, and speed limit warning buzzer for safety. It can accommodate up to 22 seated passengers, as well as up to 10 standing commuters. It is also equipped with the requisite contactless payment via Auto Fare Collection System (AFCS) and plastic dividers to ensure social distancing for the riding public.
The Hyundai HD50S Modern PUV Class 2 received DOTr’s Certificate of Compliance (COC) in 2019 along with the Hyundai H-100 Class 1 Modern PUV. The following year, the Hyundai HD50S Class 3 was also granted its COC, completing Hyundai’s Power Trio of Modern PUVs under the PUVMP that meet Philippine National Standards (PNS).
