Jeepney Modernization

Is it the right time to present such thing like this, even the details aren’t complete
yet? To whom it will be more beneficial? Is it beneficial? Riding buses, jeepneys, and
private vehicles have been a culture to many Filipino. But we cannot change the fact
that we are experiencing jams and struggles day by day.

Under the government’s modernization program, old jeepneys — those older

than 15 years — will be replaced by electric-powered or Euro 4 compliant vehicles. Euro
4 is a set of emission standards on particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides
and hydrocarbons. Jeepneys on the road are powered by Euro 2-compliant engines.
Other proposed specifications for the improved public vehicles include closed-circuit
television cameras, a GPS navigation system, automatic fare collection system, dash
cameras and Wi-Fi. The PUV modernization program seeks to phase out old and
dilapidated jeepneys and replace them with high-quality transport systems that are
environment-friendly and have greater capacity. The program is also seen as a solution
to decongest the traffic-choked streets of the country. It was officially launched on June
19. During the launch of the program assistance to transport corporations and
cooperatives, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, however, said the reform in
road-based public transportation is “not-anti poor.” Tugade said the program “is not
designed to phase out jeepneys or the jeepney business. It is actually designed to
strengthen [and] to guarantee the profitability of this jeepney business to move on and
go on.”

The proposal to phase out jeepneys from Metro Manila has been kicked around
for decades now. Its revival by the Duterte administration will end up as another
exercise in futility unless certain concerns are sufficiently addressed.

As promised, jeepney operators and drivers observed a “holiday” at the start of

the week, stranding thousands of commuters but easing traffic and improving air
quality in the chronically congested streets of Metro Manila. The holiday was in protest
against plans to phase out the mass transport vehicle that has been ubiquitous in this
country for over half a century. With their gaudy body paint, blaring music and
uniquely Pinoy nuggets of wisdom about drivers being sweet lovers, jeepneys have
been featured in Philippine postcards and transformed into tourist souvenirs.

In terms of the Filipino culture, jeepney has also become associated with
inefficient and unsustainable mass transportation in Metro Manila. Jeepneys are among
the biggest sources of carbon emissions. Their drivers are also notoriously resistant to
any effort to impose road discipline, picking up and unloading passengers even in the
middle of busy thoroughfares and turning stops into virtual terminals.

However, the jeepney has managed to survive through lack of better alternatives
despite tying up traffic in many areas and fouling up air quality in Metro Manila and
other urban centers including the nation’s summer capital, Baguio City.

Another concern, are the alternatives to jeepney. More buses, light raill and
commuter train services will be prioritized. People would rather use the upgraded
transporter like these. People maybe don’t like the inefficiency of jeepney and would
readily take something better. But buses, light rails and trains are too crowded
throughout most of the day, and most of the commuters cannot afford taking taaxi.