here was a time when the Philippine jeepney symbolized ingenuity, resilience, and Filipino creativity. Born from the remains of World War II, these converted U.S. military jeeps provided much-needed transportation in a nation rebuilding from the rubble. But what was once a clever and practical stopgap has now become a glaring symbol of everything wrong with public transport in the Philippines. In 2025, the jeepney is not only obsolete — it is dangerous, inefficient, and detrimental to both commuters and the country at large.

A Daily Disaster on Wheels

Jeepneys are fundamentally flawed as public transport vehicles. Drivers operate in a constant state of distraction — taking fares, counting change, and handing out coins — all while navigating the chaotic streets of Metro Manila. This multitasking isn’t a sign of efficiency; it’s a hazard. No modern transportation system allows or expects its drivers to split their attention so dangerously.

Passengers fare no better. Cramped onto narrow benches with no personal seats and no seatbelts, they are left vulnerable in the event of even minor collisions. The side-by-side seating offers no protection during sudden stops or impacts. It’s not just uncomfortable — it’s unsafe by every possible standard.

Traffic Chaos, One Stop at a Time

Jeepneys are also a major cause of daily gridlock. Drivers stop almost anywhere to pick up or drop off passengers, ignoring designated loading zones, blocking intersections, and creating bottlenecks that ripple across entire road networks. Their road footprint is disproportionately large for the number of passengers they carry, especially when compared to modern buses that move more people using less space.

This lawlessness is not simply a matter of culture — it’s a failure of design and policy. Jeepney operations are inherently undisciplined, unregulated, and incompatible with the needs of a modern city.

Pollution Machines in the Age of Climate Crisis

Beyond the congestion and danger, jeepneys are some of the worst offenders in terms of air pollution. Most still run on outdated diesel engines that belch out thick clouds of smoke, contributing significantly to the toxic smog choking Philippine cities. This isn’t just an environmental concern — it’s a public health crisis. The continued operation of these vehicles directly undermines efforts to reduce emissions and create livable urban spaces.

A National Embarrassment, Not a Cultural Treasure

Some argue that jeepneys are cultural icons and should be preserved. But heritage should never come at the cost of public safety, urban development, and environmental sustainability. The idea that a wartime improvisation has remained the primary mode of transport for nearly 80 years should be a source of embarrassment, not pride. Other nations have modernized their transit systems; the Philippines has clung to a relic that belongs in a museum, not on EDSA.

The Way Forward: Replace, Reform, Rebuild

It is long past time to retire the jeepney and replace it with clean, efficient, and well-regulated transport options. Modern buses, electric minibuses, and rail systems offer safer, cleaner, and more disciplined alternatives. These modes of transport respect both the passenger and the driver, and they move people faster and more reliably.

The Philippines deserves a 21st-century transport system — one that prioritizes safety, environmental responsibility, and the dignity of commuters. The jeepney served its purpose in a bygone era. Now, it’s time to thank it for its service and send it to the scrapyard where it belongs.

Let us stop romanticizing inefficiency. A modern Philippines requires modern solutions. The era of the jeepney is over.

Published 6/5/2025