While visiting the Philippines (PI) it was interesting to see many vintage Willys Jeeps converted to lengthy and colorful public transports known as "Jeepneys".These decorative jeepneys boast high-power stereos (forever playing songs from the local artist April Boy Regino), disco lights, a rear aisle entrance, and multiple grabpoints to "sabit" (hold on to) when seating is limited, which is nearly always the case. :) Passengers are literally sitting shoulder-to-shoulder. Commuters frequently "sabit" to the exterior of the vehicle. They hold on for dear life as the jeepney stops and accelerates at break- neck speed only to stop again and repeat the whole process. The passengers jokingly state "lumilipad na yung jeep" (the jeep is now flying) which isn't far from the truth. Although nearly all the Willys jeepneys have been retired, they have been replaced by newer "Saraos" which are locally made. Jeepneys number in the thousands (about 235,000 nationwide) and can be seen "everywhere" in metro-manila and the provinces. In Cubao alone, the jeepneys flow like a river down the street.
The traditional Jeep style has lived on in the PI as a popular personal vehicle, of course in a locally produced imitation known as the "owner-type jeep". It resembles a US Army M38. It is simple and affordable transportation made of stainless steel bodies and refurbished Toyota engines. They are often seen with quaint windshield plackards with sayings like "Katas ng Saudi" (result of hardwork from Saudi) and "Anak Pawis" (child of sweat). What is also notible are the musical back-up horns that play "Happy Birthday" and stickers galore identifying all the members of the family and that the jeep is "Family Owned" or "Not For Hire".
It's no wonder why the jeep has taken so well to the PI. The jeep is well suited for the environment of the PI. Not only is it an ideal vehicle to drive in the provinces but in the city as well where many roads have become constantly eroding potholes, bottomless mudholes, or consumed by "Baha" (flooded over). Rainy season takes it's toll on vehicles with water levels averaging from as little as one foot to as high as a meter in some places. Even during the dry season some roads are incredible obstacles. One famous road is Sumulong Highway located in Marakina. It used to be the PI's very own version of the Rubicon Trail. The difference is that you don't have to pay a Park Ranger for the opportunity to drive through it.
Although the jeepney is considered to be the national vehicle of the Philippines. The governemnt has placed discriminatory restrictions on where the jeepney can be driven. Specifically this is in the business district of EDSA.
So what does the typical commute on a jeepney cost? Last time I rode, it was 2 pesos, that's equivalant to $0.05 cents US!!! Then again you are only travelling about 5 kilometers which takes an average of an hour or more to travel. Sadly, few jeepneys have airconditioning. But hey, that's part of their charm. :)
