Road to Modernity in the Philippine Jeepney

Jeepney vehicles are the primary mode of transportation here in the Philippines ever since. They are the most popular public transportation in the country. At the same time, jeepneys are the cheapest passenger vehicle in the Philippines. If other countries have their trains for daily life, jeepneys are the equivalent here in the Philippines providing convenience to every Filipinos.

A Jeepney vehicle can can load up to 30 passengers inside. Usually, a jeepney driver will wait until the seats are full before going his way. Unlike buses, the jeepney windows are widely open enough for the airs to flow. The passengers will just tap their coin on the handle above the jeepney, or they can say "para po" which means "only there." The passengers inside the jeepney are actually crowded together inside, but it's already normal for Filipinos. As long as we can ride safely, there's no problem from that.

The PUV modernization program by the government

The government imposed a PUV modernization program where the jeepneys will be replaced with a modernized PUV. This is the program under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising Board (LTFRB). It aims to maximize the benefits of modern jeepneys inside the country. It is also the transition to modernity.

The purpose and advantages of modernizing the traditional jeepneys in the country

• For safety standards

The jeepney vehicles don't have doors. In fact, some passengers, especially men who are trying to avail for seat but cannot any more due to overloading, they will just stand on the doorway of the jeepney and cling on the roof. When the road is bumpy, the passengers may bump to each other. The seats are really uncomfortable, and sometimes you can only sit 1/4 because the other passengers are bigger than you. But in a modernized PUV, it is way safer than the traditional jeep. There is a door and window to close. It is also not crowded compared to jeepneys, so passengers can still stand if they wish to. At the same time, the chairs are comfortable enough for you to sit.

• Environmental friendly

Jeepneys are one of the main producers of air pollution in the country. It also adds to greenhouse gas emissions. The modern PUVS are designed to be environmental friendly. If the quality of air continues to be polluted, this in turn will harm the city including the health of people in the long run.

While it may be good for the Philippines to totally adapt modernity in the old vehicles, the operators of it will be facing big problems. It will cost millions of pesos just to modernize their vehicle, and the Filipino jeepney drivers belongs to the lowest income bracket. I hope the government can propose better solutions for the vehicle impact to the environment and for the livelihood of jeepney drivers. What are your thoughts about this?

April 7, 2023

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