Jeepneys are those colorfully-designed vehicles unique to the Philippines. Manila would not be Manila without this mode of public transport which stop, and pick up, passengers without a warning at every intersection. Their drivers are sometimes obnoxious and oblivious to the law, but even then, jeepneys have become icons in themselves, a sturdy symbol about living in the Philippines.
Just when we thought they were in danger of being phased out, comes now the jeepney’s latest evolution. The newest jeepney does not only blare loud music and is airconditioned, it is also electrically-powered from biodegradable wastes. Our big thanks to Greenpeace Philippines for sending the photo and this info:
” Electric-powered jeepneys are set to revolutionize
the Philippines’ most recognizable icon. Electric Jeepneys (E-Jeepneys),
the first public transport system of its kind in Southeast Asia, were
launched yesterday (July 4) in a historic test drive in Makati City, the country’s
financial capital, by GRIPP (Green Renewable Independent Power
Producer), Greenpeace, and the Makati City Government.
The Electric Jeepneys are part of an innovative project led by GRIPP
which intends to steer clear of the use of fossil fuels to help mitigate
climate change, even as it addresses urban problems such as air
pollution and solid waste.
The two E-Jeepneys are part of a fleet designed in the country by
Philippine renewables firm Solar Electric Company. They will undergo
technical and commercial tests for 6 months in Makati City and
eventually in key areas in the province of Negros Occidental. The
electric fleet will be increased to 50 units upon the successful
conclusion of the test phase. Also, as stated in the project’s MOA, the
city will provide a facility that will generate power from the
biodegradable wastes from the city’s food establishments and wet markets
into which the Electric Jeepneys are meant to be plugged.
“The Electric Jeepneys aim to demonstrate that there are
climate-friendly alternatives to the current polluting modes of public
transportation in the Philippines. The iconic jeepney remains, but
without wasteful and carbon emitting diesel, and while providing
increased incomes to the vehicles’ drivers,” said Athena Ballestros
Ronquillo, founder and chair of GRIPP, the lead proponent of the
E-Jeepneys initiative. “The pilot test in Makati is meant to ensure the
technical, commercial, environmental and social feasibility of the
project. If the project is successful, our hope is that the project will
be replicated in other cities in the country and possibly other Asian
capitals,” she added.
-end of press release
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re:
There is a reason why our PUV drivers behave that way and they will continue to behave that way until we address the boundary system – e-jeepneys notwithstanding.
To make a serious dent on greenhouse gas emissions, we really need to focus on making public transportation more efficient and reducing private car use.
UDC
That’s really cool! I hope they are able to sustain this project and possibly expand it to private cars. Is the fare the same as regular jeepneys?
Hi Urbano, I just happen to think that jeepneys are anachronistic already. Hopefully we won’t welcome the next century with them still around. Factor in the fact that they’re not healthy to public safety and the environment.
The e-jeepneys are great since they provide a more environmentally stable solution..but in a way also, they give more reason for the jeepneys to stay longer in whatever incarnation. I’ll vote for the next President who can phase out the jeepneys so our streets will be declogged and the cities will be a better place to live! 😛
I’ve yet to find out Christianne how much the fares are. As for electrically pwered power cars, baka naman mag boycott na Shell and Petron nito 😀
These e-jeepneys look cool. I wonder if these will catch on?
hi ajay and christianne! as far as i know, the ejeepney’s fare will be the same as the regular jeepney’s fare.
one premise of the project is that jeeps in the philippines are iconic, that’s why they tried to make it look as much like our regular jeepneys as possible. the technology is not limited to jeeps however, so hopefully this will be adapted by other forms of vehicles in the future 🙂
yes i agree that there will be resistance from some sectors. but if it makes the quality of our air better then hopefully more people will give their support rather than oppose this project. let’s keep our fingers crossed! 🙂
I hate the fact that this mode of transportation is NOT a dying breed. This has got to be the most depressing piece of news that even hit me. 20 years from now, I’ll still be seeing a jeep under a “no loading/unloading” sign. Someone tell me how I can get excited about this.
They should catch-on Tubbu, if it’s good for our environment…
Electric powered cars? That’s good news Eileen. Thanks for enlightening us on the matter 🙂
Depressing nga Skye. Jeepneys are soooo ’70s. It’s already 2007. Just goes to show what little progress we’ve achieved since then.
This is a great idea and a project worth emulating and supporting!
I hope other cities follow and use this e-jeepneys too. And I hope that the government officials give their full support.
My only memory of being in a Jeepney was 20 years ago… when I was still a child.
It’s not a particularly good memory. It was like riding a death trap hurling towards… well, hell. And I also remember everyone smelled of dust, sweat and weariness… well, if weariness had a smell… it would smell like that ride.
Hopefully the idea catches on Jaypee…
I like your metaphor Fruityoaty. Not to be anti-masa, but riding a jeepney makes me feel miserable because of the fumes and the way the drivers drive…. you portrayed this state of misery pretty well in so few words 😛
I saw one personaly and i think its cool… I hope a lot of this units can be seen in manila too.. the only thing i dont like is its size and design… theres no provision for rain protection.. well i know the design will evolve on the demand get high..
Good that you already saw one Melo. Baka naman me natatago dyan na plastik pantakip sa ulan 😀
I like the idea. What I don’t like is that they are not philippine-made.