A jeepney is a type of public utility vehicle and the most widely used form of public transportation in the Philippines, recognizable for its crowded bench seating and brightly decorated bodywork, which has made it a cultural icon of the country. The vehicle originated after the Second World War, when departing American troops sold or gave away hundreds of surplus Willys MB jeeps, and Filipinos rebuilt them with metal roofs, vivid paintwork and reconfigured seating to carry far more passengers than the original military vehicle, creating an inexpensive transit option at a moment when much of the country's existing transport infrastructure had been destroyed by the war. Jeepneys remain central to Philippine daily life: as of 2022 an estimated 600,000 drivers nationwide depended on them for their livelihood, and in Metro Manila alone roughly nine million commuters rode a jeepney every day.
Facts
SignificanceA cultural icon of the Philippines and its most popular form of public transportation, known for crowded seating, vibrant decoration, and its own folk-art tradition. 1 Manufacturer or BuilderSarao Motors and Francisco Motors, among other Filipino body-building firms 1 Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Jeepney
WikipediaHistory section
In assembly-built jeepneys (notably, those built by Sarao Motors and Francisco Motors), the passenger capacity reached a maximum of fourteen to eighteen (including two up front).
lead paragraph
Known for its crowded seating and kitsch decorations, it is a cultural icon of the Philippines and has its own art, "Jeepney art".
View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.