UV Express

File:02567jfBarangays Progeso Rivera San Juan River Bridge Welcome Arch Cityfvf 18 (cropped).jpg being used as an UV Express vehicle]]

Utility Vehicle (UV) Express (formerly known as FX, Metered Taxi, and GT or Garage-to-Terminal Express) is a license to operate utility vehicles, particularly vans, as an alternative mode of public transport in the Philippines. The term also refers to the vehicles. This is one of the two types of share taxi services in the Philippines along with the bus-like jeepney.

History

File:09965jfAraneta Center Socorro Cubao Quezon Cityfvf 06.jpg) and an MPV-based UV Express (Right: Isuzu Crosswind)]]

In 1993, Toyota Motor Philippines introduced the third generation Tamaraw FX. This vehicle was designed and marketed as a smaller type of utility vehicle. The Tamaraw FX could seat a driver and one passenger in front, three passengers in the second row, leaving a relatively large space for luggage. This luggage space was traditionally used to provide additional seating space, producing limited legroom. This vehicle, as well as comparable offerings from makers such as Mitsubishi Adventure, Isuzu Hi-Lander/Crosswind and in rarer instances, the Toyota Innova, would eventually be used in public transport, colloquially referred to as the "FX".

Over time, the FX was replaced by larger vehicles such as the Nissan Urvan, Hyundai Starex, Hyundai Grace, Kia Pregio, Kia Besta, Mitsubishi L300, Isuzu NHR i-Van, Foton View Transvan, and Toyota HiAce. These vehicles removed the luggage space to add seating space, with the same limited legroom as the first ones.

Public transport model

File:2012 Golden Dragon Haise V4 UV Express, 08-03-2024.jpg

UV Express follows the franchisee model and has more than 120 services in the Philippines including the National Capital region.{{cite web|title=List of Registered UV Express routes|url=http://ltfrb.gov.ph/media/downloadable/routes/UV%20EXPRESS%20ROUTE%20%28National%20Capital%20Region%29.pdf|publisher=LTFRB – Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Body|access-date=September 30, 2013}} The country's Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board serves as the owner of the franchise.

UV Express vans and compact MPVs are air conditioned, usually seat 10–18 passengers and charged {{Philippine peso|2.00|link=yes}} per kilometer (as of 2013).{{cite news|last=Camus|first=Miguel|title=LTFRB warns overcharging UV Express taxi drivers|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/468599/ltfrb-warns-overcharging-uv-express-taxi-drivers|access-date=September 30, 2013|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=August 19, 2013}} In Metro Manila, they have their own passenger terminals, mostly stops at central business districts.{{cite news|last=Amojelar|first=Darwin|title=LTFRB warns UV Express operators: Don't overcharge Coastal Mall-Lawton passengers|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/article/68847/ltfrb-warns-uv-express-operators-dont-overcharge-coastal-mall-lawton-passengers|access-date=September 30, 2013|newspaper=Inter Aksyon News|date=August 18, 2013}}

References

Category:Transportation in the Philippines

Category:Public transportation in the Philippines

[https://www.facebook.com/SouthwoodsMall https://www.facebook.com/lagunaxpresstc]