Last March 6 to 7, jeepney drivers took to the streets to rally against the anti-poor jeepney phaseout imposed by the government on modernizing jeepneys.
Don’t get it wrong, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to modernize jeepneys. Older jeepney models emit tons of carbon and violate the Clean Air Act— a law that regulates air quality to
achieve and maintain healthy air in the Philippines. According to the Manila Aerosol Characterization Experiment, 94% of Metro Manila’s soot particle mass is from jeepneys. In fact, protesters in the No to PUV Phaseout Coalition claim that they aren’t against modernization. The opposition wants a “pro-people” plan and that the government provides more subsidies and support for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and small operators.
The real issue is the plan and its implementation. As if jeepney drivers aren’t already struggling to make ends meet, especially during the pandemic. They’re forced to replace their old jeepneys with new modern ones, burdening them with ₱2.8 million to pay
for it.
For commuters, jeepney fares would increase substantially considering the amount of debt these drivers are forced to pay. Jeepney rides, one of the cheapest modes of transportation, will no longer be an affordable choice.
Not to mention, these new jeepneys are boring. Renowned as the “King of the Road”, anyone who steps outside and travels anywhere in the Philippines will see vibrant and colorful jeepneys on the road. Artists can express themselves by embellishing these vehicles with eye-catching paintings on their exteriors. The newer, modern models, on the other hand, are dull-looking in comparison.
While the jeepneys we’re used to can be red, pink, or any other color one can imagine, these modern jeepneys are white or other generic primary colors. However, the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved a prototype that maintains the traditional jeepney look while keeping the updated features of a modern jeepney. Additionally, the prototype costs ₱1.3 million or ₱1.5 million; which is around half the price of the typical modern vehicles.
All that is needed for the modernization of jeepneys to come to fruition without stepping on anybody, is to include everyone to be part of the conversation. Jeepney drivers should have a say in whether the strategies to be implemented are abot-kaya or if there are any programs or subsidies that can help them afford the modernization, especially since it’s their livelihoods that are at stake in this plan.
It’s ridiculous that rather than helping these drivers who lost so much profit during the lockdown to get back on their feet, the government knocks them down to their knees by forcefully letting them shoulder such an immense amount of debt. It appears that the government doesn’t value jeepney drivers when in reality, we all need them. During the jeepney strike, schools conducted classes online and people didn’t have easy access to the
place they wanted to go to like they did when jeepneys were on the road. In those days it was as if the Philippines was paralyzed.
The supposed week-long jeepney strike came to an end earlier than initially planned as the government agreed to sit down with the strikers and hear them out. Hopefully, this sparks a meaningful discourse and the government will consider a more ethical and inclusive modernization plan for everyone.
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