“Modernizing Public Transport: The End of Jeepney Era"

Janine Trixia B. Lee

Jeepney has been an integral part of the Philippine transportation system since its inception, particularly
in urban and rural areas where it serves as the primary mode of public transportation (Andalecio et
al., 2020). Because of its affordability, accessibility, and ability to pass through narrow streets, the
jeepney is a popular mode of transportation among commuters, particularly those with limited financial
resources. However, concerns have been raised regarding their impact on the environment, safety, and
overall efficiency. In recent years, there has been a push to modernize public transportation, and this has
led to discussions about whether it's time to retire the traditional jeepney. This position paper aims to
explore the reasons behind the proposal to phase out jeepneys and the potential benefits of such a
decision.

The term "jeepney" is thought to be a combination of "jeep" and "jitney" (Braganza, Liwanag, and
Palines, 2007). "Jeep" refers to the original military vehicle, while "jitney" is a term used in the United
States to describe small buses or vans used for public transportation. The fusion of these two terms
reflects the transformation of military jeeps into public utility vehicles.

Jeepneys began plying the streets of Manila after World War II, when U.S. soldiers left thousands of
unserviceable jeeps. An entrepreneurial Caviteño named Leonardo Sarao saw in them a business
opportunity for mass transport. These jeeps were transformed with longer frames, colorful decorations,
and cultural ornaments, giving birth to the iconic Jeepney. . When these GI jeeps ran out of supply, Sarao
began importing surplus engines from Japan. Today, Sarao Motors proudly stands in Las Piñas City
where the original jeepney is still being produced. However, competition has somewhat edged out Sarao
as more jeepney factories and copycats have emerged, continually innovating and luring family buyers
and transport operators alike. Over time, the Philippine government recognized the importance of the
Jeepney as a public transport vehicle and implemented regulations to standardize their design and
operation. This aimed to ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental standards.

Jeepney rides are generally inexpensive, making them an accessible and cost-effective mode of
transportation for a wide range of people, particularly those with lower incomes. Their flexibility is another
notable advantage; jeepneys can stop almost anywhere along their route, providing passengers with a
convenient and adaptable transportation option. Additionally, the jeepney system contributes to job
creation, providing employment opportunities for drivers, conductors, and individuals involved in the
maintenance and customization of these vehicles.

However, alongside these advantages, there are notable disadvantages associated with jeepneys. One
significant concern is air pollution. Many traditional jeepneys are old and run on diesel fuel, emitting
pollutants that can be harmful to both the environment and public health. The age of these vehicles also
raises safety concerns, as some may not meet modern safety standards, leading to potential risks for
passengers. Traffic congestion is another downside, as the frequent stops and starts of jeepneys, coupled
with their popularity, can contribute to traffic issues, especially in urban areas.

In recent years, the Jeepney has faced challenges such as air pollution, safety concerns, and efforts to
modernize the public transportation system. As a response, the Traffic Crisis Act, or House Bill (HB)
4334, and the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) transport modernization program was proposed in
congress and government institutions. House Bill 4334 or the proposed “Traffic Crisis Act of 2016 Maki-
isa, Makisama, Magka-isa” was presented by Sarmiento during the recent hearing of the transportation
committee to get the views of stakeholders from various sectors on its specific provisions.

In their explanatory note of HB 4334, the Speaker, Farinas and Sarmiento stressed the bill is “an urgent,
immediate, and comprehensive response to the traffic crisis that is prevalent in the Metropolitan Manila
Area, Metropolitan Cebu, and Metropolitan Davao.”

According to the House leaders, the proposed Act is “a living, organic enactment. It will pave the way for
further legislation aimed at alleviating the land-based traffic crisis not just in the identified Metropolitan
Areas but other parts of the country where such crisis may exist.”The program includes jeepney
modernization as one of its main parts. Unfortunately, this initiative towards transportation modernization
has been met with criticism of being anti-poor.

As it is a good idea for modernization,a lot of jeepney drivers expressed their concern because they
cannot afford to buy the modern vehicles the government promotes without having a huge debt. Because
of this, it caused a lot of tension between the LTFRB and the drivers as they are conducting strikes to
show their protest in the jeepney modernization. As for the passengers, they also expressed their concern
about the modernization of jeepneys because the phase out of traditional vehicles may lead to transport
crisis and higher fares.

Public transportation, particularly jeepney, modernization has been a touted solution with pros and cons
being heavily discussed by various stakeholders.

Making jeepneys modern can bring some good things. First, it could give more people jobs. Newer
jeepneys need skilled drivers and workers to make them. This means more demand for jobs in making
vehicles. Another good point is that modern jeepneys pollute less. Old ones release a lot of harmful stuff,
and this is against clean air rules. So, changing to newer ones can help keep the air cleaner.

But there are also problems with making jeepneys modern. New ones cost a lot – around 600,000-
700,000 PHP, and the ones the government wants are even more expensive. This is a big problem for
drivers who don't earn much, even with some help from the government. Another issue is if we get rid of
the old jeepneys too quickly, there might not be enough new ones. This could make it hard for people to
find a ride, causing more traffic problems.

When we talk about phasing out old jeepneys, we need to think about what might happen. One big
problem could be not having enough jeepneys in the country. As fewer jeepneys run, it might be tough for
people to catch a ride. The government needs a plan that helps drivers get newer vehicles more
affordably. Otherwise, many drivers might struggle to get one, leading to a lack of public vehicles and
more traffic issues.

Just changing jeepneys might not fix everything. Some people say private cars also make pollution and
traffic. So, just focusing on jeepneys might not be enough. The bill seems to be a small solution for
commuters and drivers upset about traffic.

In conclusion, talking about changing jeepneys in the Philippines shows that there are good things and
challenges. The good things include making jobs and helping the environment by reducing pollution.
Creating more jobs for skilled drivers and vehicle workers is a positive outcome. But there are also
challenges. It costs a lot to get new jeepneys, especially the ones the government prefers. This puts a big
money burden on drivers, who already don't earn much, especially with higher fuel prices. Another worry
is that there might not be enough new rides for people, making it hard for them to get around.

Looking ahead, a big concern is that there might not be enough public transportation because old
jeepneys are being phased out. This could make it tough for people to find rides. Dealing with this needs
careful planning to avoid problems for commuters. Moreover, the idea that only focusing on jeepneys
might ignore bigger problems like the pollution from private cars and the impact on small businesses like
tricycles. So, there's a call for a plan that looks at all aspects of transportation, ensuring everyone is
considered in the modernization process.

While changing jeepneys has its good points, challenges, and other issues that need careful
consideration. It's important to find a balance not just to make changes for the sake of it but to find a good
mix that helps drivers, protects the environment, and avoids causing new problems. With that, we have to
decide which old jeepneys should be phase out because they're too old, and which jeepneys can keep
going. It's important to look at each jeepney. If an old jeepney is well-maintained and not causing much
harm, it might not need to be phase out. But if an old jeepney is in bad condition and causing problems,
then phasing it out might be the right thing to do.
Modernizing Public Transport: The End of Jeepney Era

REFERENCES:

1.) Analyzing the Jeepney Phaseout and Its Pros and Cons
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/08/30/jeepney-modernization-pros-and-cons/
2.) Andalecio, A. B. P., Aquino, K. E. C., Cruz, C. F. A., De Guzman, A., & Kiong, N. T. C. (2020,
April). Implementation, challenges and stakeholder perception of modernized Jeepneys in Metro
Manila. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1529, No. 3, p. 032067). IOP Publishing.
3.) Braganza, A. M., Liwanag, A. G., & Palines, C. R. (2007). Comparison of local jeepney
specifications and selected Philippine national standards for road vehicles. University of the
Philippines Diliman, Quezon City
4.) How the Jeepney Became a Filipino National Symbol
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/how-the-jeepney-became-a-filipino-national-
symbol
5.) Jeepneys, Backbone of Public Transport in Philippines, Face Modernization by Government
https://www.asiapacific.ca/publication/jeepneys-backbone-public-transport-philippines-
face#:~:text=Jeepneys%20are%20a%20lifeline%20for,of%20thousands%20of
%20independent%20operators .
6.) King of the road: Taking a look at the history of jeepneys in the Philippines
https://medium.com/the-hyphenated-filipino/king-of-the-road-taking-a-look-at-the-history-of-
jeepneys-in-the-philippines-e49fe820d91e
7.) New Traffic Crisis Bill filed by House leaders
https://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=9854
8.) The Rise and Fall of Jeepneys in Metro Manila, Philippines
https://bay.stanford.edu/blog/2018/3/19/the-rise-and-fall-of-jeepneys-in-metro-manila-philippines
9.) Philippine Jeepneys https://www.hawaii.edu/cps/jeepney.html#:~:text=Jeepneys%20began
%20plying%20the%20streets,business%20opportunity%20for%20mass%20transport.
10.)Proposed traffic, transport laws are antipoor
https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/proposed-traffic-transport-laws-are-antipoorRemarkable