The jeepney is not called “king of the road” for nothing.
It has cultural significance. It displays the ingenuity and creativity of Filipinos. To be sure, the vehicle type was not originally ours but we managed to craft it into a distinctly national symbol, with each jeepney unlike no other.
It also has socio-economic significance. How many times have we heard stories about a father being able to send his children to school by plying the jeepney every day? Numerous success stories abound—those children have gone on to become professionals, always looking back to their humble roots.
A jeepney ride is a distinct experience, occasioning fond memories of when we were in school, young and unspoiled.
For many more, however, it’s part of a daily routine marked by difficulty, sacrifice, and small rewards. It’s still an inexpensive mode of transportation, and it still gets one places.
This is why the proposed modernization of jeepneys is an emotional issue for many.
Protests from transport groups continued despite the cancellation of a nationwide transport strike—to the relief of commuters. If this had pushed through, students and employees would have had great difficulty commuting again, as if travelling every day were not enough of an aggravation.
The groups reconsidered pending a Senate hearing on the modernization program, under which vehicles older than 15 years will be phased out and replaced with environment friendly and fuel-efficient units.
The plan also provides for a modern jeepney that can accommodate more passengers.
There is no question that jeepneys should be modernized. Aside from the physical and environmental hazards, the mentality of jeepney drivers—that they are exempt from traffic rules—needs an overhaul as well.
It’s not an issue of “poor” jeepney drivers—that issue is a lame one. Rather, it is one about adapting to needs of the riding public, whom they are supposed to serve in the first place, instead of throwing a tantrum and making everybody else suffer just because they don’t get what they want.
For their part, the national and local governments must provide all the tools necessary to help drivers and operators make the transition, despite the resistance.
The jeepney can still be the king of the road— king that knows how to keep on serving, while changing with the times.