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. I stopped on the road in Samar and asked these guys if I could take a picture of their rig. They complied and then took a few pictures of me and their jeepney with their cell phone.
Jeepneys are a cultural icon in this country but they are a source of heavy pollution.
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.
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