New corporate consolidator Byahe has joined the government's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program as it rolled out its fleet of modern jeepneys with a new dispatch system and cashless payments.
Brian Cu, co-founder of Byahe, said his group was formed to support the PUV modernization program in line with their vision to bring safety and convenience to the riding public through a more organized and efficient public transportation sector.
"Byahe was born out of a dream and a vision: To pursue PUV modernization by professionalizing the services of jeepney drivers and to finally make commuting more convenient, safer, and more affordable for the riding public," Cu said.
According to Cu, Byahe is a corporate consolidator that brings together the fragmented operators of the public utility jeepney sector in compliance with the Omnibus Franchise Guidelines of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The service was formally launched in Pampanga last week where it rolled out its modern jeepneys which Cu said are being operated on a scheduled dispatch system.
Cu, a former executive of ride-hailing firm Grab Philippines, shared that Byahe will adopt a system in its operations having designated stops to maximize the efficient use of existing road networks and capacity to solve traffic and transport issues, similar to the PUV system implemented in first world countries.
The entire fleet will also be managed under an efficient technical platform that allows for cashless payments, Cu added.
"This will ultimately benefit the commuting public. It will promote efficiency, convenience, and safety, as commuters will be able to organize their schedule and be assured of on-time transportation to and from their desired destinations," he said.
Cu also noted that Byahe aims to professionalize the fragmented traditional jeepney sector, allowing for improved livelihood and opportunity for development most especially for drivers.
Through a system that will be implemented by Byahe, Cu said that drivers will be properly trained for values formation and will be paid with regular salaries.
"This means stable income for drivers and taxes for the government. The industry, once professionalized, will bring drivers to the formal economy, while operators of modernized fleets will be paying common carrier taxes," he explained.
Byahe will also be launched in Metro Manila in February, while it is also planning to expand its services "throughout the year in major cities in the country."