Abstract
After the Second World War in the Philippines in 1945, American military vehicles were modified by local entrepreneurs into a new form of mass transportation. For more than seven decades, local jeepneys were considered as the cheap and affordable public utility vehicles for the masses. It carries five to ten passengers. In the course of time, inevitable and constant development of traditional jeepneys occurred based on the necessity of the commuters, small cargoes, and distance. Number of passengers have increased from twelve to twenty seaters per vehicle. Roof racks were added particularly to those jeepneys that transverse from the cities to far-flung areas that carries various products. Besides, number of such vehicles are assembled from different parts found in automobile graveyard. The reasons why several jeepneys are dilapidated, smoke belcher and uncomfortable for many commuters. Early this year 2023, a strong campaign by the Philippine government to all jeepney drivers and operators were staged to abolish and phase out jeepneys that do not comply to the standard of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The plight of both traditional jeepneys, drivers and operators are at stake in terms of sustaining the historical emblem of mass transportation on the road.
Presenters
Eduardo ValcosAssociate Professor, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Bulacan State University, Bulacan, Philippines
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Civic, Political, and Community Studies
KEYWORDS
SUSTAINABILITY, JEEPNEY, TRADITIONAL, LUZON, PHILIPPINES
