The “Jeepney” or less commonly used words “Jitney” or “dyipni” is the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines particularly in the cities and towns.

Jeepney is taken from the words “jeep” and “knee”. When the American troops left the Philippines at the end of World War II there were hundreds of military jeeps being sold or even given to the locals. The locals remodelled them into public utility vehicles by extending them in length to accommodate up to 20-25 passengers and installing a roof to protect them from the various elements of the country’s weather.

The Philippine jeepney is known for its flashy, unique yet remarkable decorations that express the distinctive Filipino values, arts and culture. The exposure to the exquisite designs of the vehicle does not just travel with you but embraces you with the modern touch of Filipino culture and tradition.

The vehicle usually has pewter horses in front, colourful streamers or flags hanging at the sides of the vehicle. It is said that a jeepney without a horse/horses on doesn’t have the horse power to run. Going inside the vehicle is more astonishing. The decorations can be a poem, slogan, motto, religious paintings, scenery, comical and even sexy illustrations. The designs vary on the likeness of the driver or the owner itself. Surprisingly, there is no similarly designed jeepney in the whole of the country.

The jeepney is the most efficient and cheapest mode of transportation in big cities including Metro Manila (P7.50 fare for the first 3km and P.50 for successive km) and Cebu, and for long distance destinations in the provinces. If a passenger is seated at the farthest end of the vehicle, the fare is passed on through the other passengers till it gets to the driver. Every Jeepney has its designated route written on the sides of the vehicle or in a sign board or marquee in front of the window. Unlike buses, jeepneys don’t have a regular pick-up stop, they can be hailed from anywhere along their route.

To catch a ride you can either raise or wave your arm as the jeepney approaches. Once inside, the conductor (if there is one) will collect the fare from you. Always make sure you have coins or small notes for the fare (especially in the morning), it is more convenient for you and the conductor/driver. If there’s no conductor, you can ask the person beside you to pass the money to the driver.

To stop and get off, you can either clink a coin or knock at the ceiling, or just indicate to the driver where you wish to stop.

Due to the massive production of the vehicle, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) requires all jeepney owners and drivers to be registered and licensed by the office. And all routes and fares should be according to the current directives. If the driver violates any rules and regulations including unlicensed conductor or expired driver’s license, he will be fined and penalized accordingly.