The jeepney—the smoke-belching, gaudy mainstay of the Philippine public transportation system for over 70 years—is due to be retired by the government, starting this month.
A jeepney ride starts at nine pesos in cities and eight pesos in provinces, with each able to carry about 13 passengers, though the vehicles often pack more people in.
Jeepneys that are at least 15 years old will be retired. The Department of Transportation has ordered modern replacements fitted with padded seats, side-opening doors, air-conditioning and electric engines.
Other proposed specifications include closed-circuit television cameras, a GPS navigation system, an automatic fare collection system, dash cameras and Wi-Fi.
By 2021, the diesel engine-powered vehicles will be entirely phased out and replaced by new electric vehicles.