Jeepneys

Jeepneys are a national institution in the Philippines and riding on one is certainly a experience not to be missed. Some Jeepneys are incredibly gaudy and garish in appearance, but you could be forgiven for thinking that's all part of their unique appeal and charm. They're everywhere you go in Manila and for the locals, they often represent their only means of transport across town.

The fare is incredibly cheap. Depending on how far you want to go, it varies between just 8 and 15 Pesos (12 or 22 pence). However, Manila traffic being what it is, don't expect to get anywhere fast. The longest journey I've been on to the other side of town took about an hour but still only cost 15 Pesos. The equivalent fare in a taxi would have been anything up to 250 Pesos (about £3.50), depending on which one of the 5 or 6 different routes the driver chooses to take. This alternative cab fare is still very reasonable for ex-pats like myself but unaffordable to the average guy in the street.

Filipinos are extremely religious and it's not unusual for Jeepneys to be adorned with religious symbols or slogans both inside and out. You can sit up front alongside the driver or on one of the two benches which occupy both sides of the elongated Jeep in the back. Either way you'll be aware of the vehicle's lack of suspension as you're bounced around in your seat. However, the locals are used to laughing in the face of adversity and it takes more than a cramped ride on uneven surfaces to wipe the smile off their faces.

I was warned that boardng a Jeepney is not without its dangers and I think it's fair to say that safety precautions are fairly non-existent. Being a sucker for sailing a little too close to the wind I ignored all advice and underwent my first Jeepney experience after the hours of darkness and up front without a seatbelt next to the driver. Even he told me I was mad, so from that point on, I decided to only travel on a Jeepney by day. I think it was a wise decision, because I've since talked to a young lady who was threatened at knifepoint on a Jeepney while travelling to work for the evening shift and I'm told it's not an uncommon experience. She actually thought that the driver may have been in on the ruse, although by all accounts, Jeepney drivers themselves are just as likely to fall victims to some of Manila's more unsavoury characters. They certainly have a very tough life and work incredibly long and punishing hours for just minimal financial reward which barely enables them to earn a living.

The other thing you may fall victim to on a Jeepney is the weather, as most of them are open to the elements. Being in the Philippines at the height of the monsoon season can leave you somewhat exposed when you've no panes of glass to protect you from the incessant downpours, although on warm days, it can get pretty sultry in the back of the truck too. The picture above should give you some idea of the levels of humidity that Filipinos face as a matter of routine. And of course it's worth bearing in mind that neither the passengers nor the drivers are returning to the privilege of air-conditioned condos provided by the workplace that we ex-pats enjoy. 

Despite all that, I still continue to take the odd infrequent Jeepney ride when the chance presents itself. My friend Nicky even managed to visit the Sarao Motors Jeepney factory over at Las Pinas during her stay here, where she tells me they still build Jeepneys even now. No doubt when I get around to following in her footsteps, the impulsive streak that I constantly fight against within me will be more than tempted to give serious consideration to actually buying one. Perhaps it's the little boy within the so-called adult man that envisages me spraying it with the Cross of Saint George and a picture of the Beatles, before using it to venture out into the provinces to start exploring this amazing country. Hopefully common sense will prevail instead!