This is Why We Shouldn’t Phase Out Jeepneys
Jeepneys are part of Philippine culture. One would not find jeepneys in foreign countries because this specific public utility vehicle is made in the Philippines. Of course other public utility vehicles are not ignored in this subject, but practically speaking, jeepney fares are a lot cheaper compared to buses, trains, tricycles, and ride-hailing apps. For commuters, riding the jeepney is the most convenient way to get to their destination. Aside from jeepney fares to be the cheapest option, jeepney’s road accessibility is exemplary.
Transport group Manibela warns of bigger strike
As the jeepney modernization program concerns most jeepney drivers and operators, multiple transport groups, such as Manibela and PISTON, had agreed to perform a nationwide transport strike in order to stop the modernization program. As the government pushes through the said program, many drivers and operators will lose their source of income as most of these people do not have the means to buy the modernized jeepney. However, the government seems to act carefree as they are still pushing the program through.
No jeepney phaseout by Dec. 31
One of the current issues regarding public transportation in the Philippines is the “Jeepney Phaseout”. Jeepney Modernization, often mistaken as Jeepney phaseout, is a program started by the Philippine government to make amendments for the Filipinos, starting with the public utility vehicles. The jeepney modernization program aims to replace diesel-operated vehicles with at least Euro-4-compliant engine vehicles to reduce air pollution. This may be a great alternative to pollution-causing jeepneys, however, modern jeepneys cost a fortune which one driver or operator may not afford after selling the old jeepney units alone. In most articles, almost 60% of jeepney drivers and operators have already consolidated or joined a cooperative regarding this issue while the remaining 40% stands firm that they do not want to be a part of the jeepney modernization program.
