Disadvantages Of Jeepney Modernization - Still Has Its Share Of Controversy

In the Philippines, people consider jeepney one of the most reliable and affordable means of public transportation. So what are the disadvantages of the jeepney modernization program?

Jeepneys have become the main type of vehicle chosen by Filipino commuters. Also, jeepney commuting is the cheapest, with only 8 PHP on average for a ride.

In the Philippines, jeepneys become the main type of transportation serving millions of people going to work every day.

However, the jeepney is a notorious polluter because petrol from jeepney makes a huge contribution to pollution. Besides, some assume that jeepneys on the road are one of the causes of heavy traffic congestion. 

To reduce the problem of pollution and traffic jams as well as provide more convenient and safer services for commuters, the Philippines government has brought in the jeepney modernization program. 

Nonetheless, many Filipinos showed their controversy about the disadvantages of jeepney modernization, saying that the program is making chaos for them. Do you know about the program's drawbacks? If not, let us break down for you.

What is the jeepney modernization program?

We all know jeepney modernization aiming to modify the current land transport system in the Philippines positively. The purpose of the program is to create a network of modern, safe, and eco-friendly jeepneys on the road.

Under the jeepney modernization program, no registration or operation is gained for any jeepney that is older than fifteen years old.

Moreover, there are specific features required for a modernized jeepney. About engines, the units should be equipped with at least LPG-powered or Euro-4 compliant engine, electronic, and hybrid. Other proposed modern features should also be equipped on each jeepney, including GPS, a CCTV camera, Wifi, and an automated fare collection system.

Like any program, the modernization of jeepneys in the Philippines brings disadvantages that cause drivers and operators to fight back and launch transport strikes and transport protests. 

Disadvantages of jeepney modernization

For drivers and operators

Firstly, it can be bad news for jeepney drivers and operators despite the financial assistance from the government. The program requires drivers and operators to equip modern units on their jeepneys, which are beyond their financial capability.

A driver can earn about 500-600 PHP after two days of working. But there are factors that affect their earnings like the route's profitability, the number of passengers, and seating capacity. The top-of-the-line jeepneys today cost between 600,000 and 700,000 PHP, or the new model government wants them to buy cost about 1.6 million to 1.8 million PHP.

Despite loans offered by the Philippines Land Bank or the government's assistance, many drivers and operators find it unaffordable for new jeepneys. Due to the low subsidy for drivers using their vehicle, it may be only at about 800 PHP per day or 24,000 PHP per month for a vehicle. This amount of support is not enough for drivers and operators.

For commuters

When drivers and operators can't afford modernized jeepneys required by the government, numerous jeepney operators will turn into being out of business due to this program. And then they will be taken over by other private companies. Thus, commuters are directly influenced as fares are increased, partly due to a rise in the costs of running and maintaining these newer models. 

Advantages of jeepney modernization

Despite a range of drawbacks, the jeepney modernization program benefits the commuters in terms of safety, convenience, and the surrounding community.

For the community, modernized jeepneys help reduce harmful emissions from vehicles. Therefore, the maths of pollution by old jeepneys are solved. 

Most importantly, the program helps reduce the heavy traffic in the country. According to the program, jeepneys will run on modified routes that focus on faster and more predictable and commuting time. This will prevent jeepney's chaos, indiscriminate stopping, and let people on and off like hop-on-hop-off buses.

The commuters benefit the public safety from the program when GPS and CCTV cameras are installed in modernized jeepneys. Drivers will be more disciplined as they will undergo training by the order states.

Moreover, the comfort of commuters when traveling is enhanced. In modernized jeepneys, space for allocation is bigger, and unit doors are located on the curbside. So they will not be frustrated by traffic jams or cramped weather that used to be in the traditional jeepneys.

Modernized jeepney price in the Philippines

A modernized jeepney, which is equipped with EURO 4 and PNS compliant engine and PNS, is under the estimated cost of 1.6 - 1.8 million PHP. Stakeholders have said they are finding a way to reduce the amount.

A modernized jeepney with EURO 4 and PNS compliant engine is under the estimated cost of PHP 2 million. 

In 2018, Isuzu Philippines brought out the first jeepney with EURO 4 in the country. The Senate received 15 prototype units, and the model has been under a driving test in Baguio City.

Another Japanese manufacturer, Hino, has recently introduced its modernized jeepney version with four prototypes seating 23 to 30 passengers. The model comes with equipped or unequipped air-conditioners. 

Foton Philippines also introduced units for the jeepney phase-out program. Its model has a maximum passenger capacity of 24, where 16 people can sit, and eight can stand.

Many convenient and safety features are equipped in these models, from energy-saving motors, CCTV cameras to entertainment systems.

Final Words

Many disadvantages of jeepney modernization have brought the drivers and operators to fight back and launch many transport strikes in the country. 

The government has understood that their residences need better transportation, but they might not carefully consider jeepney drivers who can't afford to have a new jeepney. In the long run, it affects both drivers, operators, and commuters as well. 

That's the end of today's article. Goodbye and see you again in our next article on Philhyundai Stories!