Jeepneys are known as the national transportation icon for the Philippines, symbols of Filipino creativity, versatility, innovativeness, and inventiveness, tagged as the "King of the Roads". Well, it is now a thing in the past, a remnant of everybody's childhood memories(including mine). In the present times, the king that was once reigned our country's road, threatened to be dethroned, oppressed by the government's effort on modernization of public transportation, and threatened to be replaced by cheaper alternatives—the e-Jeep.
The iconic vehicle was originally not made for public transportation, it was actually made to transport soldiers during World War II—the Willys Jeep. And then variations made eventually, it acquired longer body and roof to make it suitable for public transportation. Filipinos are known for their craftsmanships, and the jeepneys were not exempted on that particular aspects.
Photo Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/jeep-through-the-years/
Its body was decorated in colorful graffities of horses, girls, or even images of popular branded products that were being advertised. Yes, it's also a moving billboard roaming the streets. Honestly, during my childhood, I have a fondness seeing its magnificent decorations, from colorful seats, rail guard, lights, plastic banners, whip antennas, shiny pieces of metals shaped into wings that can be found besides or top portion of side mirrors. And my two favorites: the colorful pinwheels, and the chrome horses that pay homage to the precursor of the jeepney, that seems to show off the "horse" power under the hood. Decorations are the status symbol among jeepney operators, as if like they are capable of wasting money on some not so functional stuff on their vehicles. And it's proven to attract more passengers, just like me.
Photo Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.scmp.com/week-asia/society/article/2184469/philippines-plans-run-jeepneys-road-drivers-say-their-livelihoods
Aside from its aesthetic aspect, jeepney proves that even if its build from the scratch, and for its boxy type body, it provides the huge populace a cheap and reliable means of transportation. The masa(common people/mass) would willingly choose to be exposed on the pollution, noise, and heat(for it has open windows), packed in a very loaded space, inhales the fumes and other people's scents(sometimes unpleasant odors) because it can bring them to places they want to go. For those reasons, the jeepney is truly the country's Undisputed King of the Road.
The "king" surprisingly survived for decades of roaming the streets despite it lacking of security features(doors, windows, and especially seatbelt), fuel inefficiency, and outdated technology. But those things made the present Philippines' government think that the "King of the Roads" must be replaced with a more safety, comfortable, fuel efficient, environment-friendly, and obviously, an up to date technology that is available. There is a push to modernize the public transportation, and in order for that effort to proceed, the government's first step is to phase out old jeepneys. Well, that would surely endanger our beloved "king." In fact, they are now slowly decreasing in numbers, and are now frequently seen on the roads. Instead, I can see a lot of jeepneys parked at the side of streets and steadily consumed by rust.
Photo Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.carmudi.com.ph/amp/journal/the-rise-of-modern-jeepneys/
Now, my take on this modernization is that, it must not be done on time like this. I mean, it's for the betterment of everyone, as it will improve the safety, cleanliness, and comfort of the commuters; but the pandemic has taking its toll on the jeepney operators. They are gravely affected, and they can't afford to purchase the modern jeep since they don't have enough resources as a result of temporary suspension on public transportation. The government must think of any ways that will help them to embrace modernization.
And you would say that I'm being sentimental, but I guess, I prefer the traditional flamboyant appearance of the jeepneys than the modern one. A fusion(or something like that) will do, traditional appearance plus safety features of doors, closed windows, cctv, and seatbelt, add with airconditioning system and modern engine or maybe a hybrid-type of engine. For me, the accessory-laden gleaming of metal of buffed stainless steel with a coat of color and art of jeepney will forever celebrates something uniquely Filipino.
Thanks for the time.
Lead photo source: Link
