The most iconic form of public transportation in the Philippines is the Jeepney -- originally made by extending and modifying abandoned Jeep Willys left behind by the USA after WW2. I have actually seen 2 or 3 well preserved Jeep Willys-based Jeepneys while in Manila (where I'm aure there were greater numbers of the abandoned Jeeps to begin with). But what is interesting is how over the years completely original and MUCH larger jeepneys have been hand-crafted onto surplus truck chassis. These big ones still retain a Jeep nose and cab resemblance...the classic grill is always retained.
These hand-made jeepneys are diesel powered and very elaborately painted and decorated (ornamented). They are awesome! And nothing says "Philippines" to me faster than the sight of a Jeepney...because they don't exist anywhere else and are directly tied to an American icon -- the Jeep Willys. You would have a hard time knowing which make of diesel engine is under the hood because the front grill may have a Mercedes-Benz Star, while the side of the door may have a large Izusu logo, or Mitsubishi...and assorted other make badges all around. The builders seem to be deliberately flaunting that it is hand made out of whatever parts were available. It could be ANY brand or a combination. They remind me of the Johnny Cash song that goes "I built it one piece at a time...and it didn't cost me a dime..." (sneaking various Cadillac parts out over the years until he had a complete monster of a Cadillac).
However, during my previous trip I noticed the rise of the smaller 3-cylinder "extended" passenger-carrying multi-cabs were more common than the Jeepneys. These are the Suzuki multi-cabs primarily (the best ones). In the USA these are limited to working on golf courses and farms or on large industrial facilities and airports...running stuff and staff around. They are not street legal in the USA. Here...they are EVERYWHERE. If I lived here I'd own one of the VAN style and one of the Mini-Mog 4x4 versions...but these will be the subject of another post :-)
These extended and modified 3-cylinder Multi-Cabs
have almost completely replaced the traditional Jeepneys.
These are much more fuel efficient and pass the new emissions tests.
This summer I've noticed the almost complete absence of the classic Jeepneys (do a Google Image search for Jeepney...I wish they were legal in USA so I could shuttle folks to parties or Proms in festive style and make some good money. Imagine the smiling faces of children seeing a Jeepney in a parade. I actually think I saw a Jeepney in the Wayne Carini's shop during an episode of Chasing Classic Cars, on HD Theater). During this trip I have seen ZERO working as people movers in the city (not including the very large ones shuttle people from the rural areas into the Market with their veggies, fruits, chickens, eggs, etc. to be sold. Why are all the cool Jeepneys (like you saw in your Google image search) gone? The answer is a familiar one -- E-testing has come to the Philippines. I must say I have noticed the air smells better than it used to. I have seen one of the emissions test stations. They are getting serious about clean air here. I remember riding ON a Jeepney was always better than riding BEHIND one. All were dirty, and some extreme gross polluters like we haven't seen in USA since the black clouds of smoke pouring from diesel semi trucks that I remember growing up in the 1970s.
How many people can fit in a Jeepney?.... "One more" :-)
Even the name "Jeepney" will become a piece of history. The new extended multi-cabs (lightly used from Japan, they are imported to conversion companies in Manila or Cebu, cut in the center, extended and reinforced, suspensions are beefed up, steering is moved to the left side, new body work, tuned up or new 12-valve 3 cylinder motors dropped in, some are even turbo charged). They are simply referred to as "multi-cabs". Bummer...not nearly as cool as a "Jeepney". They are MUCH more fuel-efficient and cleaner. (I'll post pictures of these multicabs after taking some good representative shots).
By far the most common form of transport for running around town making short trips is by "tricycle". Relatively few people in the Philippines own cars (though I sense the number is increasing), and now I'm noticing many newer cars, especially Hondas, Toyotas, and especially all the Hyundai and Kia compact SUVs (same models as USA) and their smaller micro cars (which we will probably never see in the USA). I remember even last year seeing more "beaters" running around, even the taxis were often close to beater status. Look closely at the photos from this trip and you will notice mostly relatively new cars and tricycles...few if any old beaters. Once again this is the result of E-testing.
E-testing has effectively translated into a boom for tricycle drivers because only the wealthy can afford newer cars that pass the E-tests. Everyone else is back in the tricycle or "multi-cabs". It's not necessarily a bad thing...traffic seems less jammed and chaotic. The effect is similar to everyone in the USA leaving their car at home and taking public transportation (if we had public transportation that actually was practical and could get EVERYONE to work on time).
Even the tricycles must pass an emissions test, and now each town seems to have it's own paint color that all tricycles must use. All engines are 4-stroke, which burn much cleaner than 2-stroke motors and are much quieter.
There is an Eco-friendly tricycle, called a "Put-Put" in some places (or "Pedi-cab", or something else). It's human powered. I have not ridden in one yet on this trip because they are suited to shorter trips. But we could use them to go to the mall. Wish we'd used these for the 6 or 8 trips we've made to the G-Mall (where the grocery store is). All tricycles in town have a fixed rate per ride (fixed by the city) of 8 pesos (about 18 cents) to go anywhere within the central city area. Beyond that limit you work out a deal with the driver (same goes for carrying items, like the bed we purchased). The guys pedaling the Put -Puts earn the same 8 pesos per passenger per ride. They do not have to buy gas or maintain the motorcycle. But, they are limited to flatter parts of the town, and mostly are seen in the area around the Market.
A "Put-Put" taking folks to the Market.
Parked on the side of the road is a Jeepney from the rural province
loaded with items for sale at the market or on the side of the road.
This Put-Put driver was keeping up with the flow.
The Put-Put drivers are fit...no fat anywhere on them. Some appear to be in their 60s. I'm surprised how easily they glide along with a load of passengers. The bikes are single speed...but must have just the right gear ratio and less internal friction due to simpler drivetrain. Sadly, "status" is a relative thing...and alive and well in Philippines as in any country. Riding on a motorized tricycle is higher status and considered the better way to travel. This means the Put-Puts get marginalized, get fewer riders, and get less respect in traffic. For our remaining trips to the G-Mall we will take Put-Puts...cleaner, quieter, and puts food on a poor family's table.
Round and round the Market waiting for riders to flag them.
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