How to ride a Jeepney

Riding a Jeepney can be a fun experience for the tourist here and it is a cheap alternative to taxi cabs for getting around, but there are a few things you should know before you take that first Jeepney ride.

First, most are open air, which means if you are stuck in traffic, be prepared to cover your face with a handkerchief because of exhaust fumes. Next thing to take into account is if you are tall you may want to sit near the exit because the ceilings are low and you may prefer not to try to work your way to far inside to get a seat. One more important point to keep in mind is the drivers have a tendency to pack as many people as possible into one, so sometimes it a tight fit inside. The attitude seems to be, there is always room for one more. Some passengers will stand on the protruding platform at the rear of the Jeepney as well because of that.

When it comes time to pay the fare it is a good idea to have the exact change or at least some of the local currency in small denominations. It you are sitting towards the rear and the Jeepney is crowded you can just reach out at arm’s length and another passenger will pass your fare down to the driver. Sometimes the Jeepney driver will have a helper that rides on the back directing the passengers and collecting the fare, in which case you would just pay them.

When you want to ride a Jeepney you can catch one at a terminal or usually you can just hail one like you would a taxi and they will stop and pick you up. When you have reached your destination, just tap on the hand rail on the ceiling with a coin or key and they will pull over and let you out. This is common and the easiest way if the driver doesn’t speak your language, plus it beats yelling in some ones ear to stop. :-)

Riding a Jeepney can be a lot of fun despite the occasional annoyances like heavy traffic and sometimes be packed in like sardines. There are plenty available and are a cheap alternative to a taxi cab which have their draw backs as well.

Below is a video that takes a humorous, but mostly accurate view of how to ride Jeepney. I say mostly because I wouldn't recommend laying your head against someone else. With that said, it is an excellent video with some very good tips.

How to Ride the Jeepney in the Philippines

The Jeepney

The Philippine Jeepney once considered the “King of the Road” in the Philippines continues to be one of the most popular modes of transportation despite economic and political pressure mounting against them. The Jeepneys originq can be traced back to the tens of thousands of American Jeeps left behind after WW2. The Filipinos saw an opportunity to convert the old jeeps into a form of public transportation.

The demand grew for the Jeepney and in 1953 Sarao Motors in Las Pias City, Philippines began manufacturing the Jeepney and would go on to become world famous because of it. At its peak the company was producing 18 – 20 Jeepneys a day, but the Asian economy and Government regulations began to take their toll and in October 2000 the company announced that production of the Jeepney was coming to an end.

Eleven years later the children of the late founder of Sarao Motors have reopened the plant, but it is only a fraction of what it once was, producing two – three Jeepneys a month. Nether the less the tradition continues and the company is looking into building more efficient models, including an electric Jeepney. That could alleviate some of the criticism aimed at the Jeepney, primarily that they are gas guzzlers and heavy polluters.

The Jeepney is unique and it is said, “That no two are alike.” The Jeepenys are custom painted and decorated quite elaborately by the individual owners. The Jeepneys are privately owned and not a source of transportation provided by the government. Throughout many parts of the Philippines the Jeepney is the main source of transportation and I hope the problems that are plaguing them now can be worked out and these unique vehicles can continue to provide a valuable service to the people of the Philippines.

                 Jeepneys of the Philippines


                     JEEP Judgement call

Tourism

The Philippines are one of Southeast Asia’s premier tourist destinations. Consisting of more than seven thousand islands and the largest concentration of animal species for its size in the world, it’s a nature lovers dream. The numerous coral reefs and white sand beaches are perfect for those looking to enjoy the warm tropical weather and go swimming, snorkeling, diving or just sit back and relax while you’re enjoying a nice cold drink on the beach.

 San Sebastian Cathedral  











The Philippines have a lot more to offer though. The Spanish settled here in 1565 and there are Cathedrals here dating back to the 16th century. These Cathedrals are still used today. Many old Spanish forts are still standing and there is the shrine on Mactan Island in Cebu to honor Ferdinand Magellan, the famous Portuguese explorer credited with being the first man to sail around the world. The Mactan shrine is a famous landmark here because it’s where the Filipinos first opposed the Spaniards led by Datu Lapu Lapu in 1521.

Filipino desert Halo Halo 












Hotel accommodations vary from the small to the luxurious hotels and beach resorts. Cottages are even available for those who want more intimate accommodations. There are plenty of tours are available and usually a short ferry ride can take you to a nearby island for some further adventures.

 Jeepney

There is no need for a pocket translator since English is a second language here and spoken in all the main establishments. Exchange of currency is not a problem either. There are plenty of outlets throughout the cities including the airports and hotels that you change your cash to the local currency. Visa is readily accepted at all the major businesses here as well. Transportation is readily available. You have your choice of a cab or if your feeling adventurous a Jeepney or tricycle to name a few.

 Coron Island

The people of the Philippines are some of the most friendly you well ever meet. They are quick to smile and always pleasant. They love the foreign visitors and will treat you with the utmost respect and do what they can for you so that you will enjoy your visit. If you’re looking for a vacation spot that will give you nearly endless possibilities of things to do in a beautiful place, then the Philippines may be just what you are looking for. With so much to do, the beauty of the islands and its people you can have a vacation that will offer you many great memories that will last a life time.

More fun in the Philippines 2012/2013 - Department of Tourism