Philippine Jeepney
Philippine Jeepney
Here is one of a kind, the Philippine Jeepney. the original Jeepney was developed in 1945 after the war from left over Jeeps and Jeep parts as a sort of taxi come mini bus service in the Philippines, and are still going today although in a different style from the originals.
Perhaps this where the term “customizing” originated as there is no doubt it is a very colorful flamboyant and truly customized vehicle.
In fact many countries including USA put the Jeep to perform many tasks such was its versatility.
What is the Jeepney like, one as a vehicle, and two to drive? Join James Deakin as he becomes a driver for a day and share his experiences.
The Jeepney has long been a popular means of public transport suited to the Philippine way of life, but the government sees the vehicle as a dirty air polluting monster that it wants to see gone.
Sarao Motors, the manufactering pioneers of the Jeepney are bowing to this pressure and considering amongst other options, the use of electric motors.
Starting out as modified Jeeps and other 4WD ex US Army vehicles the Jeepney quickly grew in popularity as a means of public transport with production reaching 150 units a year around 1970.
There are / were several companies manufacturing Jeepneys, Sarao is one of them.
Popularity did drop off and Sarao Motors ceased production in 2000, although it has since restarted and now makes around 40 to 50 units a year.
Most of these are sold to customers who then lease them to drivers who pay a fee per half day, and whatever they collect in fares is theirs.
While the government is out to get all aging Jeepney’s off the road it is doubtful they will be successful as they are the icon of the Philippines, and what are they going to replace them with?
I reckon this would be a test of anyones endurance for a day.
Thanks to James Deakin for this video, photos are video screen shots.
Who needs a bridge. Obviously a diesel with a high snorkel, but gotta be crazy.
Thanks to Moto Phil for this one.
