THERE has been talk of a phase-out of jeeps, replacing dilapidated units to e-jeepneys [electrically powered] and for some solar driven. State of the art.
The last batch of the iconic Sarao issued jeeps may pale in comparison to the proposed improvement of the jeeps, in a vlog, improvements to the Pinoy jeep were detailed to perfection complete with graphics and effects.
The e-jeep will have higher roofing than the traditional jeep, allowing you to stand up without hitting your head; it will also have more leg room, also allowing you to stretch while on the ride.
Seating will also be different, as designs will vary based on preference which will include choices of a bus type and face to face seating designs, some e-jeeps will also be air-conditioned which will eliminate the smog snorted by passengers.
The e-jeeps in the long run will also dispense of the hassle passengers are subjected to by passing on fare of co passengers to the driver as the jeeps of the future will now have beep cards. Cashless. Wow.
The vlog ends with a happy looking Pinoy inside the e–jeep of the future seemingly ready to go on vacation rather than commute. The face of a happy, contented and carefree commuter.
I honestly wanted to scream.
I love the dilapidated Pinoy jeepney, I love the way it’s designed even if I hit my head on the roof sometimes. I find it charming that people pass on the fare of passengers to the driver as well as the change.
I also find it relaxing to look out the window of the jeeps and feel the wind on my face… yes even if there is smog. If I wanted to ride an air-conditioned vehicle… I would get the bus or book over Uber and Grab.
I find the peculiarities of the now bashed Pinoy jeep endearing. The corny design of each jeep amuses me and gives me something to smile about each time I take the time to look at the gaudy artwork.
The signs on the jeep take the cake too. "Barya lang sa Umaga,” “Basta driver sweet lover,” “Smile Jesus loves you,” “This is your final destination,” “The Lord knows HUDAS not pay,” and my favorite “We repair broken hearts,” what e jeep can top that?
The only thing I liked about the jeeps of the future was that it will also have CCTV’s all over to thwart thieves from preying on passengers. Hands down to that need.
Aside from that, the vlog on the jeeps of the future was polished, sophisticated and upbeat but can you imagine your manong driver using social media as a platform to champion the cause of keeping the old jeeps on the road, you can’t? Well that’s just the start of the problem.
Manong driver will battle the streets and scream from the top of his smog filled lungs to keep his precious jeep on the road… something that the generation today looks at as crass. What they do is file an online petition and virtually sign it.
They would not care if manong driver does cartwheels on the streets. They will think it is unnecessary drama. The battle to keep the old jeeps has been waged on social media to a group of people who have seldom ridden actual jeeps. To a generation brought up by an iPod… manong driver doesn’t stand a chance.
If the phase out pushes through the government is set to convert to the more sustainable electric jeep sourced from abroad which costs P1.5 Million per unit backed by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Manong driver hasn’t even dreamed that amount was possible for him to have in his lifetime.
The battle continues for the old jalopies and the jeeps of the future and in between is your friendly Manong driver and I who thinks old jeepneys are charming.