[OPINION] What if jeepneys in Baguio were not a thing?

May 12, 2024 | By Sophia Noelle Bonite

Piston Metro Baguio, jeepney drivers, operators, and commuters gather in front of Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School before the start of the Jeepney Caravan on April 30, 2024. (The Companion/S.N. Bonite)

Who will take us to where we need to go now that they are getting rid of the king of the road? Imagine a Baguio without its big and loud jeepneys…

Traditional jeepneys, where Filipino culture and art is highlighted, may begin to vanish as the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) starts.

Almost seven years after its launch, the consolidation deadline of the PUVMP has arrived. Jeepney drivers and operators who failed to consolidate under the guidelines of the program cannot operate legally anymore. Unconsolidated jeepney units that will operate after the April 30 consolidation deadline are now considered as “colorum.” The PUVMP is the supposed government’s solution to the aggravating transport crisis our country faces. According to the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the program aims to make the public transport system operations “dignified, human, and on par with global standards.”

While the stated intentions seem good, the program serves as an avenue that would risk the livelihood of all traditional jeepney drivers and operators.

We have already seen the modern e-jeepneys ever since the program started in 2017. This has also been the start of when I thought about the future of our jeepneys. I started seeing mini-buses instead of jeeps. I thought this was the beginning of the end.

Traditional jeepneys are more than just public transport for us Filipinos. It is a reflection of our culture, our excellence in art, and most importantly, our national identity. It is a statement of the Philippines.

The intricate details of cartoon personalities is what makes one jeep unique from the other. The traditional jeepney symbolizes the Filipino way of life. I wouldn’t trade it for a plain-looking mini bus.

Electronic and modernized jeepneys may probably be a safer and environmentally friendly alternative, but what about the drivers and owners whose lives revolve around the intricacies of a traditional jeepney?

In Baguio, the locals have two main choices for public transportation: the ever-reliable budget-friendly jeepneys and the faster but pricier taxis. Currently, the base fare for traditional jeepneys is P13.0 for regular passengers while P11.0 for students, senior citizens, and PWDs. Pondering this, the city may be at risk of losing one of the locals’ main modes of transportation. Disguised as modernization in the name of safety and the environment, this program may spark the total phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

Modernized jeepneys cost between P1.6 million and P2.4 million. In this economy, and given a gross of more or less P1000 per day, how can one save a million or two in just seven years?

Personally, I have tried riding both the traditional jeepneys and the modern e-jeepneys as I wander around the city. Riding taxis is an unappealing option because of how costly it is. As a student who lives alone and is away from my family, I prefer riding traditional jeepneys more as it is the most affordable mode of transportation in the city.

This modernization program, along with the continuous increase of consumer goods, would continue to be a burden as it threatens yet another increase in commuter fare. Using private vehicles in Baguio is discouraged, especially since establishments in the city offer limited parking space. Besides, the city is relatively small so using private cars is absurd as it is already.

One more thing, can the modernized e-jeepneys really withstand the steep roads of Baguio just like how the traditional jeepneys have done for decades? Without traditional jeepneys, can the locals really endure the looming public transportation fare increase?

What the drivers just want is modernization with a just transition and a program that would help assure them with the cost of this transition.

As it is impossible to comprehend how our jeepney drivers and owners afford the cost of a modern jeepney and its maintenance, this does not mark any end for all of us. As commuters, we really are affected by the implementation of this program. It is significant for us to echo the calls of our local jeepney drivers and owners, and it is imperative for these calls to be heard.

Prices remain high, and until someone does something about it, it will remain high and continue to increase.

I stand with our jeepney drivers and owners. Sa laban ng tsuper, tunay ngang kasama ang mga komyuter.

The opinion and views expressed by the writer are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of The Companion.