E-jeepney Wins Inclusive Mobility Challenge 2012

Philippines - The electric jeepney received that highest recognition for sustainability and innovation in this year’s nation wide Inclusive Mobility Challenge.

The contest aims to promote more sustainable and innovative solutions in the urban public transport system, focusing on the needs of the poor and the general public.

The Inclusive Mobility Project is organized by the Ateneo School of Government and Rockefeller Foundation, with the support of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

The e-jeepneys has been very successful since it was first launched by iCSC in 2007, which captured both national and international attention. Last March 2012, the e-jeepneys started its public journey after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued the country’s first commercial electronic jeepney (e-jeepney) franchise.

In 2009, the iCSC was awarded the prestigious Fr. Neri Satur Award,  for Environmental Heroism for its work on sustainable transport. And In 2008, the e-jeepney received the grand prize for Transport solutions, in a global contest run by the Ecopolis Program of Discovery Channel.

“This is foremost an award to all eJeepney commuters and drivers who through their patronage prove each day the commercial and technical viability of our initiative,” said Yuri Sarmiento, chief executive officer of Ejeepney Transport Corporation.

The contest was launched to raise public awareness for sustainable and green innovations and solutions. Inviting nominations and applications to the competition brings in the public and private sections. The contest evaluation was focused on social innovation, sustainability, replicability, scalability and evidence of success.

The second prize was awarded to Bikes for the Philippines, a project that provides bikes to help students, especially the less privilege, stay in school. While the third prize was awarded to the Wheelmobile, an initiative which provides transportation for under-privileged persons with disabilities.

sources: ejeepney.org, inclusivemobility