Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines.They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. They have become a ubiquitous symbol of Philippine culture.
The word jeepney is a portmanteau of "jeep" and "Jitney".
While most are used as public utility vehicles, jeepneys used as a personal vehicle have their tailgate attached, known in the Philippines as "For family use", originating from the sign painted on them. Jeepneys are used less often for commercial or institutional use.
HISTORY
A 1943 Willys jeep, the basis for the design of jeepneys.
The jeepney rapidly emerged as a popular and creative way to re-establish inexpensive public transportation, which had been virtually destroyed during WWII. Recognizing the widespread use of these vehicles, the Philippine government began to regulate their use. Drivers now must have specialized licenses, regular routes, and reasonably fixed fares.
Pinoy Creativity
Passad
In Iloilo City, jeepneys called PASSAD are known for being replicas of sedans or pickup trucks. The vehicles' body has a much lower profile which resembles more of a sedan chassis with an elongated body.
In Cebu, popular jeepney manufacturers are Chariot and RDAK, known for its "flat-nosed" jeepneys made from surplus Suzuki minivans and Isuzu Elf trucks, which are no longer in use in Japan. These are equipped with high-powered sound systems, racing themes, and are bigger and taller than those in Manila.
E-Jeepneys
The E-jeepney, short for electrical jeepney, was the brainchild of Green Renewable Independent Power Producers, Inc. or GRIPP in partnership with Mr Robert Puckett, President of Solar Electric Company in the Philippines. These E-jeepneys or minibuses, under the support of Greenpeace started plying Manila / Makati City streets on July 1, 2008. Four E-jeeps were launched by Makati City mayor Jejomar Binay on 2007, with 2 prototypes from Guangzhou, China at P 371,280 each.
The e-jeepney is a central part of the CFC initiative. After the e-jeepney’s debut in the Makati financial district in 2007, iCSC has widened the deployment of electric public utility vehicle transport alternatives in the country through the development of eTrike, eQuad and eCoach applications as well as different e-jeepney models.
The e-jeepney is powered by lead acid batteries which takes approximately eight hours to charge. It can run for about 65 kilometers at a maximum speed of 35-40 kph after every full charge.
Jeepney Arts Festival
Expect the iconic Philippine jeepney to be turned into a giant moving advertisement for the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) “It’s more fun in the Philippines” campaign as the Jeepney Arts Festival kicks off this week.
The highlight of the festival, which will run from September 20 to October 20, is an on-the-spot jeepney painting contest with the theme “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” Organizers are encouraging the public to submit an artistic rendition of the country’s tourism slogan via e-mail (bayanihan@jeepneyartsfestival.com) on or before Saturday, September 15. Continue reading here>
It surely took a large amount of creativity for Filipinos to transform this formerly foreign object which was a surplus or a kind of scrap into something world class now. In fact, our jeepneys today are also known for their designs which also reflect Filipinos’ creativity and artistry. In fact, it is very common for jeepneys to be in bright colors and even bear designs that are truly Filipino and even world class.
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