Sizzling temperatures in the Philippines this week have added to the
heated debate between the country’s 179,000 jeepney owners and drivers,
and a government which is forcing them to modernise.
Long regarded by tourists to the Philippines as an essential
must-ride form of transport, the government regards these flamboyantly
coloured, custom made vehicles as relics of the past that need to be
more environmentally friendly and safer for users.
In response, jeepney drivers went on strike for three days this week,
complaining that moves to force them into cooperatives or corporations
and replace their vehicles with modern versions would be unaffordable.
The BBC said new vehicles will be fitted with engines that meet
European emission standards, or electric motors, and will have wifi,
CCTV and air conditioning.
The vehicles, originally built from repurposed US army Jeeps left
over from the Second World War, are much loved by tourists for their
colourful appearance and cheap fares, but they are facing an uphill
battle to meet environmental regulations.
“Why do they want to erase this? It’s a big question for everyone,” Ed Sarao, of jeepney maker Sarao Motors, told the BBC.
The vehicle was built, he said, “from the ashes of World War II” and should be allowed to continue operating.