LOOK: Could this PUV be the new 'King of the Road'?

MODERN HILUX. Toyota Motor Philippines Inc. unveiled a Hilux Class 1 modern public utility vehicle manufactured for the DOTr's PUV modernization program. Photo from DOTr's FB page

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Toyota Motor Philippines Inc. (TMPI) manufactured a new prototype of a Class 1 vehicle under the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program. 

The Hilux 2WD prototype was taken out for a test run by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and other officials from DOTr and TMPI on Sunday, November 10.

12-SEATER. Transportation Secretary Tugade sits inside the modern vehicle, which can seat up to 12 passengers. Photo from DOTr's FB page

The model has a capacity of 12 passengers and is powered by a Euro 4 engine. It is valued at P998,000.

BETTER SURVEILLANCE. The model also has a closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) for better surveillance. Photo from DOTr's FB page

PRIORITY. Some seats in the modern unit are reserved for pregnant women, people with children, and persons with disabilities. Photo from DOTr's FB page

AIR-CONDITIONED. Passengers can get respite from the heat in the new Toyota Class 1 modern vehicle, which is air-conditioned. Photo from DOTr's FB page

The vehicle's features also include a closed-circuit television camera (CCTV), GPS, a dashboard camera, and an automated fare collection system. It is compliant with PUV modernization requirements, the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, and the Philippine National Standards.

The unit is also airconditioned and accessible to persons with disabilities. 

UNDER A MILLION. The Toyota Hilux Class 1 modern PUV is valued at P998,000. Photo from DOTr's FB page

ROLLOUT SOON? Tugade earlier said that the unit is targeted to be released before 2020. Photo from DOTr's FB page

Earlier, Tugade said the modern vehicle is targeted to be released before the end of the year. The DOTr has been in talks with TMPI regarding the development of the prototype since June. 

Bad design?

On the other hand, commuters aired their reactions to the model on social media, pointing out that its design is not suited for mass transport. This was due to how the Toyota-made model can accommodate fewer people than the current jeepney.

It won’t be cost-efficient. Ordinary jeepneys could already take 16-20 passengers without aircon. This new PUV’s aircon with only 12 seats will consume fuel much faster depleting the drivers’ takehome. DOTR think! — Atty. Don Bragais (@atty_don) November 10, 2019

mass transport, means it can carry more people. it seems it can carry only a few, unsafe and not cost efficient. — Romdel Bellosillo (@romdel94) November 10, 2019

looks like overpriced DIY to me. There are plenty of vehicles actually designed for public transportation on the market, why go for this weird solution? — Ronan (@RonanInManila) November 10, 2019

Others said that its design did not seem suited for people, since its closed and cramped passenger cabin resembled those of delivery vans or hearses. 

Would you ride this vehicle when it comes out? – Rappler.com