MANILA – Manila Electric Co's electric vehicle subsidiary eSakay on Friday launched a fleet of electric jeepneys to service passengers traveling between the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong.

Starting Jan. 18, 15 eSakay electric jeepneys will service the Buendia MRT Station - Mandaluyong City Hall route for a minimum fare of P9.00, Meralco said.

The project is part of the company's bid to become an end-to-end vehicle solutions provider, chairman of the board Manuel Pangilinan said during the launch.

"The government’s thrust in implementing the PUV modernization program opens up the opportunity to shift towards the safer, sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system," Pangilinan said.

"Meralco has been supportive because we believe EVs have a place amongst PUVs," he added.

15 Electric ‘eSakay’ Jeepneys launched by Meralco. It will ply Buendia MRT Station to Mandaluyong City Hall via Jupiter St Makati City for a min fare of P9. Units are equipped w/ side entrances, Wifi, automated fare collection system, GPS tracking system, CCTV cameras, USB ports. pic.twitter.com/NCkMezIHUe

— Jacque Manabat (@jacquemanabat) January 18, 2019

Each e-jeepney can carry up to 40 passengers and a fully charged unit can run up to 100 km, Meralco said.

The vehicles are 100 percent electric and are equipped with onboard Wifi, an automated fare collection system, GPS tracking system, and CCTV cameras.

Accessories such as USB ports are also available for passengers who want to charge their mobile devices.

The Department of Transportation said the launch is in line with its "relentless effort" to provide quality, safe and environment-friendly transport under the government's PUV Modernization program.

-- with a report from Jacque Manabat, ABS-CBN News