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Jeepneys are the Philippines’ most popular mode of public transportation. Known for its crowded seating, colorful decorations, and extremely cheap fares, the jeepney represents the multi-cultural history of the country, exhibiting a bit of Spanish and Mexican on its exterior, American with its original Jeep design, and Japanese with its engine.
See the fact file below for more information on the Jeepneys or alternatively, you can download our 22-page Jeepney worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
HISTORY
- During the American colonization, and right after World War II, jeepneys were identified as “auto calesa”, from the horse-drawn calesas of Manila. They were also simply called “jitney” or “baby bus”. The word “auto calesa” was first used in 1910 and initially referred to the cheap imported cars that served as share taxis by local drivers for ₱2 per hour.
- The first vehicle to be transformed to seat more passengers was announced in 1932 by a Filipino businessman who made use of cheap imported German DKW vehicles with side-entry carriages connected.
- By the mid-1930s, Russian American Jewish entrepreneur Emil Bachrach (the owner of the Ford Motor Co. branch in the Philippines and Manila’s first bus company) established the Bachrach Motor Company (BMC). Bachrach’s company started producing similar vehicles called the BMC-AC. Compared to the DKW-AC, this vehicle exhibited a back-entry carriage style, called a tartanilla, with a seamlessly attached chassis. The BMC-AC held two passengers on both sides and used cheap, imported British Austin 7s and American Bantams, both of which were ancestors of the Jeep. BMC later increased the seating capacity to ten people, but they were still shorter than the modern jeepneys. The majority of these models were destroyed during World War II.
- After gaining freedom from the Americans, hundreds of surplus jeeps were brought to or given to the Filipinos. Harry Stonehill, an American soldier, helped dispose of these military vehicles and reportedly established a black market for the surplus, including jeeps.
- The jeeps were dismantled and modified locally. Metal roofs were incorporated for shade, and the vehicles were embellished in bright colors with chrome-plated decorations on the sides and hood. The rear part was redesigned with two, long, parallel benches with passengers facing each other to make room for more people. The size, length, and passenger capacity has changed as the jeepney’s design has evolved through the years. These were grouped under passenger-type jeeps.
- The non-extended, original-seat design of jeeps were classified as “owners”, short for owner-type jeeps, and were not open for commercial use.
- The original jeepneys were remodeled military jeeps by Willys and Ford. Present jeepneys used engines and other interiors imported from Japan or South Korea.
- The jeepney quickly rose to popularity, as it was a cheap means of public transportation. Its vibrant exteriors were also popular, though much of the decorations were ruined during World War II. Acknowledging the general use of these vehicles, the Philippine government started creating laws that recognize their use. Drives now should have special driver’s licenses, with routes monitored and fares fixed.
- Illegal, unregistered, or unfranchised jeepneys are officially known as “colorum” operations, from the color of the vehicle plate, which implies a private registration.
- In Papua New Guinea, jeepneys replaced buses and vans because they were too expensive to import. Records show 4,000 jeepneys were brought to Papua New Guinea in 2004.
- Lately, the jeepney industry encountered threats to its survival. The majority of the larger manufacturers have been unable to pay their debts or have switched to producing other products, while most smaller builders have closed completely. Passenger jeepneys are also suffering increased limitations and regulations for pollution control, as they use too much fuel.
FLEET MODERNIZATION
- In 2016, the Department of Transportation and Communications enforced an age limit of 15 years on jeepney drivers, with outdated models facing a phase-out.
- The majority of jeepney operators disapprove of the phase-out, and George San Mateo, head of the “No to Jeepney Phaseout” Coalition, labeled the modernization proposal “corrupt”.
- Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez prompted the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to scrap the jeepney modernization program.
- A tap card system that lets passengers pay for their trip is part of the new feature included in the PUV modernization program. After a number of failed trials and implementation and technical issues in the existing Beep Card, most of these proposals were denied by the Department of Transportation.
DESIGN
- Jeepney exteriors differ per region. Some sport plain colors, while others are adorned with massive decorations. Manufacturers either make use of sheet metal or stainless steel as body panels. Some jeepneys are ornamented with stickers or spray paint, with exteriors consisting of caricatures, illustrations, or pictures of their family members. Some draw inspiration from popular culture, like actors and actresses, cartoons, anime, comics, video games, movie characters, abstract designs and lines, and religious icons.
- In Cebu, surplus trucks have bodies that are built from second-hand Japanese trucks that were initially designed for cargo. Prominent jeepney makers in Cebu are Chariot and RDAK, which is distinguished for its “flat-nosed” jeepneys manufactured from surplus Suzuki Carry and Isuzu Elf trucks, which are already phased out in Japan. These jeepneys have high-powered sound systems and racing themes, and they are reported to be bigger and taller than those in Manila.
- Davao City has Nelson-type jeepneys called “uso-uso”, with designs that greatly differ from the traditional style. These vehicles are equipped with modern front grille and body designs, lowered ride height, and industrial-quality paint jobs. Modern versions of this type have chrome wheels with radial tubeless tires and a powerful sound system, so they are sometimes called “mobile discos”.
- In Iloilo City, passad jeepneys show similarities to sedans or pickup trucks, with the front fascia taken off an existing SUV or AUV and a body that has a lower profile that is similar to a sedan chassis with an elongated body.
- The Cordillera Administrative Region, particularly in Baguio City and Benguet province, has jeeps that make use of truck wheels, platforms, frames, and engines.
- Makati City has fully assembled jeepneys with refurbished engines. Some also have air-conditioning units.
“MODERN” AND E-JEEPNEYS
- Third generation jeepneys have additional regulatory guidelines, like standard seating, expanded vehicle height, CCTV, fare collection system, speed limiters, GPS, and WiFi.
- Electric jeepneys are now widely used in some cities of Metro Manila and in some provinces of the Philippines, either as a basic mode of transportation that totally wipes out traditional jeepneys or as a service vehicle for private use.
- E-jeepneys are said to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and answer calls for fluctuations or hikes in oil prices.
AS A NATIONAL SYMBOL
- As a means of public transport, the jeepney is iconic to the Philippines – a proudly Filipino creation. Given its rich history, the jeepney has turned into a reflection of the Filipino spirit – resilient, innovative, and optimistic.
- Another important factor why the jeepney is viewed as a cultural symbol of the Philippines is Sarao Motors, a famous automotive manufacturing company that made jeepneys that were imported and displayed in tourism exhibitions in cities such as New York and London.
- In the Philippines, movements and advocacies promoting the jeepney as one of the country’s emblems are being carried out, as well. Currently, not only are jeepneys showed off in the streets of the Philippines, but they also grace and adorn the shelves of souvenir shops in miniature form.
Jeepney Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the Jeepneys across 22 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Jeepney worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Jeepneys which are the Philippines’ most popular mode of public transportation. Known for its crowded seating, colorful decorations, and extremely cheap fares, the jeepney represents the multi-cultural history of the country, exhibiting a bit of Spanish and Mexican on its exterior, American with its original Jeep design, and Japanese with its engine.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Jeepney Facts
- Beep Beep Beep Beep
- Jeepney Jargon
- Jeepney Facts Only
- The More You Know
- Jeepney Wiki
- Choose a Side
- Design a Jeep
- Let’s Commute?
- Jeepney Etiquette
- Jeepney Designs
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Link will appear as Jeepney Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, March 1, 2021
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.