Instead of phasing out the iconic jeepney, why not let drivers upscale their units?
The use of these jeepneys soon became widespread and have been altered through the years for the transport of goods, for use as school buses, for use on unpaved roads, and more.
THE government has been vocal about its plans in modernizing the traditional jeepneys and replace them with cleaner and safer electric vehicles even before the pandemic hit the country and the rest of the world.
During the pandemic, electric vehicles were allowed to operate way ahead of their predecessors despite studies that closed, air-conditioned vehicles are more susceptible to spreading the virus.
Confusing
The decision to keep traditional jeepneys grounded was, for the most part, confusing.
It became clear that officials prefer the new jeepneys and are using the pandemic to speed up plans to replace the iconic units with their modern counterparts.
History
The jeepney first hit the road in the 1950s as an upcycled American military vehicle used during World War 2.
Among the pioneers who converted the war vehicle leftovers into passenger cars are Sarao Motors and Amante Motor Works.
The use of these jeepneys soon became widespread and have been altered through the years for the transport of goods, for use as school buses, for use on unpaved roads, and more.
Downsides
However, there are also downsides to the vehicle as studies showed its use of a diesel engine remains the same, and a 2015 survey made by an international non-government organization Clean Air Asia shows that most jeepneys emit 15,492 tonnes of particulate matter pollution per year.
Jeepneys are also not inclusive for the paraplegic. There are little to no safety features making it prone to theft and accidents.
Modernization program
Under the government modernization program, the design of an e-jeepney must have enough room to accommodate people with disabilities and senior citizens, must include GPS and CCTV cameras, provide automated fare collection systems, new exits on the right side, and Euro 4 engines or better.
The one unit of the modern jeepney could cost at least P1.2 million and operators must have a minimum of 10 to operate.
Many believe that only big operators can afford to buy the vehicles. But Ernesto Saw Jr., an operator and chairman of South Metro Transport Cooperative said even a cooperative like his cannot afford to buy the e-jeepneys on its own.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) initially gave operators until July 2020 to phase out their old jeepneys.
Back in 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte made a threat to arrest and have their vehicles impounded all those who will defy the program.
118,000 families
At least 118,000 families are relying on the 54,843 jeepneys plying 685 routes in Metro Manila alone.
In the wake of the pandemic, all public transport was grounded forcing many drivers to beg on the streets, live in their jeepneys, or return home to their provinces.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) was partially distracted by the ongoing pandemic by providing free and safe transportation for health workers, assisting and transporting stranded overseas Filipino workers, and other projects.
Jeepney operators, drivers, and commuters are still waiting for the next decision of the Duterte government regarding the modernization program.
New normal
For now, some of the jeepney routes in Metro Manila are allowed limited operations in observance of the health and safety protocols.
Jeepneys have adapted to the new normal with make-shift plastic barriers, limited seating capacity, and some even offering free hand sanitizers.
The resilience of these jeepney drivers can also move them forward to adapting the modernization program without the expensive e-jeepneys.
Upscaling over scrapping
As it is, jeepney drivers are praying that they be allowed to continue to ply their routes.
And instead of sending their jeepneys to the junkyard, the government should help them upgrade and meet the requirements of the modernization program.
Sarao Motors has done it before: they upgraded their jeepneys with the same amenities of the modern jeepneys being rolled out by the government, but at a lower cost.
Their prototype also retains the "lunchbox" model that has made the traditional vehicle iconic throughout the world.
Many other jeepney makers and designers are open to the idea of redesigning their jeepneys over forcing operators to buy the more expensive units.
The DOTr and LTFRB have yet to decide regarding this matter. (HD)