Anyone who’s been to the Philippines, or who even knows anything about the Philippines, knows about the jeepney. You may even have one branded with your name, and even your picture, being driven around the streets of your hometown by one of your relatives.

 

For those of you who aren’t accustomed with this ubiquitous form of transport it’s the most common form of public transport on the islands. It’s also one of the most flamboyant. Transformed from the surplus jeeps left by the Americans after World War 2 they were adopted and adapted into their present incarnation.

 

They sit probably anywhere in excess of at least 16 people, more if the driver wants to get lots of fares, definitely more if you count roof space and people hanging off the back. They stop anywhere along any main road you just have to flag it down and the last stop is usually the local market or shopping mall and they drop you as close to home as the main road allows.

 

I think at the moment the fare is around 15p (25c) per mile. Bargain compared to the £2 we pay for one bus journey no matter the length of your trip. Sometimes there’s a “conductor” of some sorts, at least I presume that’s who the person is who I hand my fare to. Otherwise you simply pass it along the other passengers till you get to the driver. You try and shout your destination and somehow they know exactly how much your fare should be and any necessary change is passed back to you in a similar fashion. No fare evading here.

 

 

They’re almost always amazingly decorated too. Filipinos do not hold back when it comes to tricking out their jeepneys. I’ve seen them adorned with so many ornaments and decals that I’m amazed how the driver actually manages to see out of them. I’ve also been in jeepneys that play a little tune every time the brake pedal is pressed, although admittedly on Filipino roads that can sometimes be not very often. Names of family members or sometimes their favourite show or sport, there will usually be a theme to the decor – the only rule seeming that if you’re gonna do it, then go all out!

 

Having always travelled on these vehicles when I visited the Philippines I was slightly more than a little disheartened when I saw a piece on the new e-jeepneys that are currently being rolled out in Manila. Not that I’m not a fan of anything that improves the environment in the capital. Anyone who’s had to sit through Manila traffic (so basically anyone who’s tried to make any kind of journey in Manila) has been a victim of the mix of diesel fumes and heat.

 

 

The first of the e-jeepneys were seen on Manila’s streets two years ago. They can be charged overnight from biogas generated from the organic waste from the city’s markets and households. It is hoped that the new breed of jeepney will prove to be popular with drivers and passengers alike.

 

I understand that the new electronic jeepneys whilst being slightly more expensive to purchase will in the long-term save the driver money in terms of reduced maintenance and fuel costs. I appreciate that they are a lot more friendly to the environment – I’m all for low emission vehicles and the fact that they recycle waste to charge up the vehicle screams of Mr Fusion from ‘Back to the Future 2’to me. I think it’s brilliant. I can also see that there is room for some customisation of the vehicles so that aspect is not lost. It’s just, travelling in one of these things just won’t be the same.

 

Being crammed like a pack of sardines in the back of a jeepney as it bounces along the road, as the wind whips your back because the plastic windows are rolled up even though it’s raining, and you try to find somewhere to put your feet in-between the sacks of rice and boxes of shopping – that’s all part of the experience. The e-jeepney, it seems all far too civilised!

 

No doubt something has to be done to tackle climate change. I am proud that the Philippine Government is spearheading this initiative, particularly giving its less than stellar history with tree logging. The jeepney is such a part of our culture and so typically Pinoy that any change is going to take time. I am sure that change will come though. Eventually we will get used to the scene below; after all, it was only a matter of time before we too found our own unique way to address one of the biggest issues facing the world today.

 

 

Posted on 7 August 2009 by Gemma in Culture, Lifestyle, Travel

Tagged climate change, e-jeepney, environment, jeepney