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Jeepneys have been a common means of travel and transportation for Filipinos since the American military vacated the country after World War II. From the hundreds of surplus jeeps sold or given to locals, the jeepney was born. Decades later, it continues to be part of our culture and everyday commute.

But as helpful as jeepneys are to the community, they come with their own risks. According to the Environmental Management Bureau, jeepneys contribute to 80% of the air pollution that harms the environment, commuters, and the drivers themselves. Most jeepneys are not well-maintained; some do not have working speedometers, signal lights, and even brake lights, which can cause road accidents and traffic build-up.

It is because of these factors that the Department of Transportation (DOTR) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are proposing a jeepney modernization program, which aims to improve the country’s jeepney system. Last June, Secretary Arthur Tugade signed the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines in line with the country’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program. The pilot program will kick off in Metro Manila in the fourth quarter of this year, followed by Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and the rest of the country.

Here’s what the DOTr hopes to achieve with their program:

The images below are the proposed prototypes of modern jeepneys shown during the 1st Philippine Auto Parts Expo (PhilApex) last October 12, 2017.


Counter clock-wise: 1) e-jeepneys making it easier for people with disabilities to commute; 2) e-jeepney’s design similar to that of its traditional counterpart; 3) signs for jeepney stops; 4) beep cards as a mode of payment for jeepney fares.

DOTr also shares that prototype vehicles have a 22-passenger seating capacity or more, while the traditional jeepneys can seat only around 20 to 22 passengers, excluding the driver.

However, the implementation of the PUV modernization program is met with skepticism.

Abon Almares, a jeepney driver for 15 years, believes e-jeepneys are too expensive. “Tutol ako doon kasi yung mga mayayaman at may pera lang ang may kakayahang bumili niyan. Sabihin nating kalhating milyon ang ganitong jeep at dalawang milyon yung electronics, kung hindi ko na nga kayang bumili pa ng ganitong jeep at sa kikitain ko, paano pa ako bibili nun? Dapat ang iphase out lang nila ay yung mga luma na talaga at delikadong mga jeep.” (I am opposed to the modernization because only the rich can buy the new jeepneys. Let us say that the price of this jeep is half a million and the new jeep is two million; if I can’t buy this jeep with what I earn, how can I even buy the new jeepneys? They should phase out only the old jeepneys and those that don’t function anymore).

According to the DOTr, the PUV modernization program is not anti-poor with its rates of 6% interest and 5% equity. Aside from its 7-year repayment period, the government will give subsidies of PHP 80,000 for every unit to help with the downpayment.

But for jeepney driver Benjamin, the e-modernization is an insult to our culture. “’Di ako pabor kase iyan na yung kinamulatan natin parang ano yan eh, parang sagrado ‘yan.’Yan kasi ang unang tranportasyon natin ‘di ba, yung jeep. Kaya kung tatanggalin yan, maraming maapektuhan.”

(I am not in favor with the modernization because jeepneys are part of our culture and our first mode of transportation. So, if they phase it out, a lot of people will be affected.)

He’s also concerned with the fate of old jeepneys. “Ang tanong ko diyan, kung gaano rin katagal yung ipapalit nila? Anong mangyayari sa mga ipphase-out na jeep? Tutunawin ba yun ulit or saan nila itatapon? Tsaka akala ko ba nagtitipid sila ng kuryente? Mas lalong hindi sila makakatipid ng kuryente sa ganyan.”

(How long will the new jeepneys last? What will happen with the phased-out jeepneys? Will they melt them or dump them somewhere? Also, I thought they wanted to conserve electricity? They will consume more if they use it for the modernization.)

“Dapat pag-aralan nila nang husto. Hindi naman sa ayaw talaga namin yung upgraded mas maganda kung mapalitan ng ano kaso nga lang masyadong mabusisi. Sa kagaya ko kung hindi makakakuha ng unit, paano? Yung mga may pera, sila yung unang mabibigyan.”

(They should study this issue more. It’s not that we’re completely against it. It would be beneficial for us if it would be replaced but with due process. Also, they should study the details. How can a driver like me afford a unit? Those who have the money will be the first ones to acquire the new jeepney.)

The jeepney modernization program shows promise in aiding the community’s transportation problems. But for it to truly work, both sides must be willing to work together. When the issues are ironed out, everyone will benefit. Finally, the jeepney will be known, not only as “King of the Road”, but also a champion of the environment.

– By Panahon TV Intern, Czekinah Tolentino

Online References:

Posted by Department of Transportation – Philippines on Sunday, October 15, 2017

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