Twenty Cents Ride

Here is my entry for #vehiclephotography contest by @juliank

Meet the most popular public transportation in our country The Jeepney. This vehicle was born at the end of World War II, with the Americans leaving the Philippines Jeeps were left to the locals. They were then modified by adding a roof, decorations and ornaments. The Jeepney evolved through the years and has become an iconic symbol of our culture.

This transportation can be seen anywhere in the country and has been a livelihood for most locals. The vehicle can sit from 10 up to 18 passengers which would depend on the size of the vehicle. A ride around the city would cost you around twenty cents in our area. In some areas the prices vary in destination.

The entrance is an opening at the back of the vehicle which in some countries maybe deemed unsafe. There are no seatbelts, however there are a lot of handle bars which you could hang on to as a safety measure. Since I was a child never have I heard of anyone falling off the vehicle maybe some cases but I would say it is safe as it can be.

Jeepney owners sometimes add their family names or something relevant to them which adds character to the vehicle. Some are extremely colorful and heavy decorated with fancy lights and horns to to attract commuters. I spent some time trying to catch a shot of one but unfortunately we didn't spot one at this time.

The designs varies and all Jeepney are unique on it's own. Here is one with stainless steel and the grills may have been custom made. Just don't mind the no parking sign on the right side there lol.

We love sitting next to the driver's side every time we take a ride. Usually for one person only but it fits two passengers and you just need to scoot over. Here is our driver who doesn't seem to mind taking his photo.

On the rear view mirror you would always see a rosary hanging to keep them safe along the road. You would see that rosary on this one being covered by a popular character from one of our fast food chains. I remember during my high school days there are some Jeepney with dashboard covered with 8 track tapes which I wonder if the driver still sees the road. What can I say drivers and music are inseparable.

But these days it is being mandated by the government to remove from the road old Jeepneys which is to be phase out and upgrade it into something which is very different. There has been some protest as some operators could not afford the upgrade and would affect their livelihood. It is saddening to hear about plans in changing the image of the artistic symbol of our country but I'm pretty sure that it will survive as it has throughout the years.

Thanks for joining me on this joy ride. Steem on Steemians!