Motoring Today Column

May 11, 2022

By the time one is reading this, there should be clarity about who will become the country's president for the next six years.

And it is prayed that there is clarity on the next government's plans and policies for mass transport and private mobility.

Clarity can be found in the new government's answers to certain questions.

Will the many projects and programs commenced and undertaken by theDuterte Administration and the Department of Transportation be continued by the next government?

Will priority still be given to the development of a network of railways spanning the length and breadth of the nation, particularly inLuzon and Mindanao? What about the Metro Subway?

Will the EDSA Busway or EDSA Carousel be maintained along with related projects like the state-of-art Concourses to begin or be completed ?

Will the new government show as much political will in providing fuel and other subsidies to public utility vehicle operators and drivers?

How long will the funds allotted to the service contracting program as well as that of the Libreng Sakay program, last and will this be replenished under the GAA of the next government?

Will the PUV modernization program be pushed as hard and with strong political as shown by the outgoing administration?

Will the incoming administration manifest the same stance on establishing bike lanes and encouraging active personal transportation?

Will the incoming administration be as inclined to approve proposals for more elevated tollways in metropolitan areas and the extension and expansion of tollways outside of the metro?

There are more questions and answers that will provide clarity on how a new government and leader will solve problems related to mass transportation and personal mobility in the short and long term.

But what many deem important is: Will there be continuity and consistency in the programs and policies of the presidency and administration in the next six years?

Better Booking

Those who prefer booking rides via their mobile phone apps should be happy with news that the Land Transportation Franchising ang Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is opening more slots for TNVS franchises.

The LTFRB announced that there are 7,870 new TNVS slots up for grab, and 7,000 of these will be forMetro Manila, 220 forRegion III, 500 forRegion V, and 150 for Region VI.

Only vehicles that are at most three years old will be accepted for TNVS franchises.

Applications for TNVS franchises will be processed on a first come-first serve basis, the LTFRB said.

Only after applicants get the Provisional Authority to operate as a TNVS can they choose which Transport Network Companies (TNC) to partner with.

Those interested can check out the requirements and process for applications on the LTFRB website.

All New Celerio

Suzuki Philippines has rolled out the All New Celerio, a bigger and more fuel efficient hatchback that its predecessor.

In announcing the launch of the latest from Suzuki, Norihide Takei, Suzuki Philippines's general manager for automobile , said: "We are confident that the new Celerio will exceed expectations of customers who seek for both practicality and individuality."

"The All-New Celerio has evolved into a compact car that will make people's life easier, more convenient, and will allow to express ones personality in an age where diversity is expected," he added.

In these times of costly fill-ups, Suzuki believes its latest offering will flourish, citing how the All-New Celerio achieved a 28.25 kilometer per liter fuel efficiency rating in road tests observed by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP).

The new Celerio is powered by1.0-liter K10C DUALJET engine which produces67 horsepower and 89 Newton meters of torque.

Isuzu Expansion

Isuzu Philippines continues to expand its dealer network.

This time it has opened the doors to its newest dealership complying with the new Isuzu Outlet Standardization concept at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales.

During the ceremony formally opening the Isuzu Subic dealerships, Isuzu Philippines president Hajime Koso said: "As we open our doors in this area, we vow to support the region's vision to be an industrial heartland. With our ever reliable and durable trucks, businesses in the area can count on Isuzu to power their logistical requirements. With our dealer principal's commitment to providing utmost customer service, we can assure the province of a long-lasting relationship with our customers moving forward."

Also during the ceremony, Jason Hao, Isuzu Subic president , said: "Our company, together with the unending support and guidance of IPC, would be honored to work hand in hand with the leaders of Subic Bay Freeport Zone and, its nearby town's leaders by providing the right vehicle for each and every customer. For us, there is no such thing as big or small customers. We will make sure to value everyone because as the saying goes, 'We are happy to serve you'."

Lately not a week goes by without us happily congratulating Isuzu and Hajime Koso san for achieving another milestone.

Happy Motoring!!!

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