Philippine jeepney

Philippine Jeepney

These hardy transport vehicles are the backbone to the economy in the provinces in the Philippines. They belch smoke as they chug over the hills carrying huge loads of people and goods and sometimes even livestock on the roofs.

Overloaded Philippine Jeepney – jeepney heading up into the mountains above Ormoc City – youtube video

Jeepney with bananas with big load on the roof.

Jeepneys are a cultural icon in this country but they are a source of heavy pollution as they run on low grade diesel fuel.

It is especially thick in Cebu and Manila. The light multi-cab bought second hand from Japan might some day replace them, but it will most likely be a long time in the future.

One factor that might speed the change is the rapidly escalating costs of fuel. Some of these jeepney operators operate on a fine margin and are having a tough time making ends meet even though the government has approved fare increases.

I will add pictures as they come. Some of these rigs are real works of art.