My Position Paper about “Phase Out Traditional Jeepneys, Let’s go for

Modernization”

Information and communication technology (ICT) is what we consider

essential for today's world. Technology is now the partner of each individual to
consume work in their daily lives. Advanced technologies now play a big role,
especially in our production economy. It helps any business produce more
products. However, ICT development needs more improvement when it
comes to many aspects. This is now my finding issue, which is improving and
advancing ICT development. It has a big impact on every institution,
especially if they are already being developed by technology. The
sustainability of gadgets, a lack of knowledge among ICT personnel that can
lead to negative consumption outcomes, the pace of traditional transportation
in an advanced and smart way, government funding for ICT-related projects,
and changing citizen roles and norms These are just a few of the
technological challenges that citizens are currently confronted with. My
intention at this point is to visualize and have critical thinking when it comes to
the rapid adaptation of ICT technologies, especially to the public where the
town cycles. Even before the pandemic, the phase-out of traditional jeepneys
has long been a problem and will be replaced by e-jeepneys or minibuses.
Due to the government's desire to implement the use of people in an
advanced way, it is here that the people affected by it have a voice, especially
if their livelihood is lost due to this project. I would like to do a study regarding
the issue mentioned. Technologies are a huge help to each other, but we
must determine the limitations of wide-spread implementation of this project.

Transportation has evolved significantly since the 1800s, when people

traveled by horse and buggy. Water transportation had also improved by
1820. It reduced transportation costs by 95 percent. Canals would play a
critical role in delivering goods in the nineteenth century. Over the centuries,
technological advancements have resulted in cheaper, faster, and better (less
polluting, quieter, safer, and more reliable) transportation services. Typically,
stories about this glorious history are told in terms of vehicles, facilities, and
propulsion. The transportation industry remains focused on efficiency by
lowering costs, improving transportation means, lowering fuel consumption,
increasing capacity, and implementing new technologies. Environmental
concerns and technological advancements drive changes in transportation
modes.

According to data statistics, the number of people buying their own

vehicles is increasing rather than commuting using public transportation such
as traditional jeepneys and tricycles. This happens because of modernization.
People are even enticed by the advanced and smart features of emerging
gadgets or anything related to technology. Public transportation has the
potential to be an important part of a more environmentally friendly
transportation system, but it lacks all of the prerequisites to reach its full
potential. The highly fragmented public transportation system is reliant on
outdated, often small-scale road-based vehicles, with jeepneys dominating
(approx. 200,000 in the Philippines, with approximately 55,000 in Metro
Manila alone). Despite rising car ownership, the jeepney industry maintains
high ridership levels. Jeepneys account for approximately 40% of all
motorized person trips in the Philippines, or approximately 40 million person-
trips per day, making them one of the largest contributors of GHG emissions
in the transportation sector. The current public transportation market situation
is characterized by a large number of on-street competing operators for
jeepneys, buses, Asian Utility Vehicles (AUVs), or tricycles. Over 43,000
jeepney franchises and over 830 bus franchises have been issued for more
than 900 routes in Metro Manila alone, making the public transportation
market virtually impossible to regulate for the government. As a result, there is
an inefficient supply of low-quality public transportation, as well as dangerous
and congested traffic situations.

The lack of appealing public transportation encourages the use of cars

and motorcycles, exacerbating the already extreme congestion experienced in
the Philippines' larger cities and resulting in economic and environmental
costs. If the quality of public transportation is not significantly improved, its
current share of the modal split will continue to decline as GDP and car
ownership rise. The transportation sector's GHG emissions would rise as a
result. On the other hand, the Philippines' Public Utility Vehicle Modernization
(PUVM) Program aims to transform the public transportation road sector
through the introduction of safer and more environmentally friendly vehicles,
improved regulation, and industry consolidation. The program aims to improve
urban quality of life, reduce economic losses due to lost travel time, reduce
health costs and premature deaths, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, and improve the operators' and industry's economic situation by
improving service quality levels. However, many traditional jeepney drivers
will be affected if the widespread implementation of advanced technologies
continues. First, they don’t have the funds to buy e-jeepneys. Mostly, the
drivers are just focused on their jeepney owner. Let's say they just rented the
Jeep they were passing by and spent it on both sides. Second, the traditional
jeepney used is part of our culture as Filipinos, and we have grown
accustomed to it. It would be a great loss to us if the next generation were not
able to experience the same amount of culture as our country currently has.
Third, if the traditional jeepneys, which are their only afforded choice, are lost
and then quickly removed by government policies, the unemployment rate in
our country will increase. At the height of the lockdown, up to 6.6% of the
unemployed were in our country. The last forecast was for December 2021.
Lastly, its impact on commuters If all drivers were to look for work because of
such a change, no one would be found working when it comes to public
transportation. It's too much of a hustle for every commuter, especially if the
work is in remote areas. Moreover, there will definitely be an increase in the
fare, so the interest of the people involved in it will be further lost.

We all know that continuing to use traditional jeepneys has

disadvantages in many aspects. For example, the addition of air pollution has
a bad effect on the environment. Traditional jeepneys also contribute to the
continuous and worsening traffic. Whereas, the use of e-jeepneys or
advanced technologies can help prevent and solve the problem. But we must
first pay attention to the condition of the people. Their interest in livelihood will
be lost if they continue to practice fast and they cannot keep up. As a student,
I want to still have traditional jeepneys. Because apart from helping the
drivers, of course, there are also the traditional aspects and protecting the
culture of our country. If it is really wanted to have it all on public
transportation, maybe the government should just provide it for free or maybe
provide a loan so that drivers can still use it practically. Let's say that having
advanced transportation technologies can be pricey, but people are the ones
paying taxes. If we only had a good government that managed the distribution
of funds to many departments every year, there may be many more
destinations, and it would be worth paying for the people.