Traditional jeepneys in the Philippines have been known to tourists for their unique designs. There may be a lot of different customizations, but for Filipinos, they are one of the main transportation in the country. These jeepneys wore out over time, so then here comes the coming of Modern Jeepneys. Modern versus Traditional, here’s what you need to know about the jeepney phaseout in the Philippines.
What’s the difference between Modern and Traditional?
Modern or traditional, both are jeepneys, but there are still a few differences between the two. Both can bring you from one location to another, some for long trips, while some for short travels.
https://twitter.com/LupangHinirang_/status/1629744839922442242?s=20
- Traditional jeepneys reign the roads in the Philippines, especially in its capital, Manila. The traditional jeeps are made of heavy and stainless-steel box-type frames. It has been running on the streets of the Philippines for decades. These Traditional jeepneys run on diesel, and with the long hours of usage and materials utilized with it, some are expected to get old quicker.
- On the other hand, Modern jeepneys or E-Jeepneys offer a new experience in commuting. It does not run on gas or diesel but on electricity. It could pass as a mini-bus, with its length and width. Most E-Jeepneys are shorter in length than traditional jeepneys but would still fit numerous people in. Some are air-conditioned, and some are not.
Pros and Cons of both Jeepneys: The Comparison
- Vehicle Cost and Fares: The vehicle cost of E-Jeepneys reaches double or more, than the price of Traditional Jeepneys. At first look, it surely would be a huge problem for jeepney drivers. Having to undergo modernization requires a hefty amount of money. On the other hand, the high prices of diesel greatly affect the drivers’ income as well.
- Also, the fares of both jeepneys aren’t that far. The base fare for Traditional is PHP 12, while Modern’s base fare is PHP 14, respectively.
- Environment-friendly: This aspect should go straight to the E-Jeepneys. You can simply notice the smoke that Traditional jeepneys emit, in comparison with Modern jeepneys. Additionally, Modern jeepneys can still be improved to be completely environment-friendly by using solar-power charging.
- Speed and Running capacity: Traditional jeepneys should win both these aspects. The drivers are known to let their units ‘fly’ which is helpful for individuals who are running late. Most drivers run their jeepneys fast, but do not compromise the safety of their passengers. Also, gasoline stations are everywhere in the cities and provinces, while charging stations for Modern jeepneys may be quite lacking.
With all the said above aspects, Traditional jeepneys can be considered better in the matter of transportation. However, Modern jeepneys can keep up with these pros in the long run, so what do you think should happen? These pros and cons could go on and on, but the real deal is the nearing and rising issue again of the phaseout of Traditional jeepneys in the Philippines.
Traditional jeepney phaseout
According to Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Memorandum No. 2023-13, the individual operators of Traditional jeepneys can no longer operate after June 30, 2023, unless these solo operators join a cooperative or a corporation.
- Once these individual operators join a cooperative, this would extend their franchise or provisional authority (PA) to December 2023, instead of an April 2023 expiration. This applies to National Capital Region (NCR) individual operators.
- Transportation groups and commuters call out LTFRB for the decision to completely phase out jeepneys. Meanwhile, LTFRB currently aims to get at least 95 percent of the jeepneys onboard for the modernization program.
- However, the fight isn’t over the Traditional jeepneys and the drivers. Senator Grace Poe submitted a resolution earlier today, February 28, to postpone the pending jeepney phaseout. A possible public hearing can happen on Thursday if ever permitted.
READ: Senator Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, files a resolution seeking to postpone the planned jeepney phaseout of the traditional jeepneys by June 30. pic.twitter.com/hXYpbvCd0o
— caryl (@carylgonzales_) February 28, 2023
Transport groups plan to strike
Numerous transport groups gathered to express their issues and concerns on the jeepney phaseout decision of LTFRB. Manibela, Laban TNVS, and PISTON plan to conduct a ‘tigil-pasada’ or a transport strike for a week starting March 6 to 12, 2023.
Traditional jeepneys and UV Express will conduct a week-long nationwide transport strike starting March 6, transport group Manibela announces. https://t.co/Ni4v3zQor2
📸 Screenshot from Ucajoda – Manibela pic.twitter.com/1ZevjtfxOe
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) February 27, 2023
- This transport strike would affect workers and students in the metro. The transport groups also voiced their opinions about the price difference between Modern jeepneys and Traditional jeepneys. What do you think would be the best solution for this possible Traditional jeepney phaseout in the Philippines?
Feel free to share your thoughts with us below about the jeepney phaseout in the Philippines. Until then, stay with us here at Spiel Times for more content.
