The Toyota Tamaraw has been granted the Modern PUV certification

Three years ago, on Toyota Motor Philippines’ 35th Anniversary, the local automaker showed off two Tamaraw concepts: a race car concept that would eventually become the Tamaraw OMR, and a Modern Jeepney Concept, which we still haven’t seen any of yet.

Sure, the Tamaraw’s Utility Van with its foldable bench seats can serve as that, but it’s only now that we hear from Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) President Masando Hashimoto that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has granted TMP the Modern PUV Certification for the Tamaraw, now being part of the various public utility vehicles plying the roads.

Of course, we won’t be seeing any new body styles or conversions right away, but our hopes for a modern-style Jeepney are high, similar to what was shown off previously.

This concept car featured a fully lit rear cab, complete with WiFi, air-conditioning, a tap-to-pay terminal for transport cards, a television, 10 individual seats, including the essentials for safety such as a CCTV, proper fire suppression systems, and safety bars. There are even LED signboards that showcase the routes for easy identification.

Are you looking forward to having Toyota Motor Philippines create more modern PUV conversions for the humble, Philippine-built Tamaraw?

^{Photos by Sam Surla and TMP President’s Office / Masando Hashimoto}