Jeepney Modernization Program for the country by the Philippine government is

updating the old jeepneys with more environment-friendly versions. But with good
intentions comes multiple issues and challenges. On the one hand, jeepney
modernization promises to decrease emissions and enhance public service; on the other
hand, there are enormous obstacles presented across multiple dimensions:
environmental, economic, and social.
Environmental Concerns
The government of the Philippines jeepney modernization program seeks to
replace all old, emissions-spewing jeepneys with more environment-friendly variants
such as electric vehicles. It is in relation to improving Philippine environmental
degradation resulting from current aging jeepneys. Environmental advocates say that it
is an avenue for the country to attain its goals on climate, thereby mitigating the problem
of air pollution in the urban setting. However, the phase-out of traditional jeepneys raises
questions of fairness in treating its impacts and effectiveness of getting a just transition.
Critics point out that the electric jeepney minimizes emissions, but this will put a heavy
burden on the jeepney operators and drivers who cannot afford to make change or
replace their vehicles (Kusuma, 2023). Other concerns include infrastructure such as
charging stations in remote areas. It would be farfetched for some people unless better
subsidies are given by the government and clearer policies are introduced (Kusuma,
2023).
Economic Challenges
Modernization entails some cost in terms of economics; this applies to its
investment costs. The owners and operators of jeepneys will then incur expense as the
electric jeepney is relatively more expensive than its counterpart traditional ones. In
addition to the purchase of the vehicle, other concerns will be the maintenance cost of
running a fleet of modernized vehicles in addition to operational challenges that come
with it. For example, the deadline given to comply with the new set of regulations dictates
what period operators must comply with, but most drivers and operators, especially those
less endowed, argue that a transition would be financially unfeasible without government
subsidies or fiscal support programs. Lack of enough financial support, and seeming
disregard for the economic reality of jeepney operators, may add more strain to an
already vulnerable sector (Punongbayan, 2023).
Impact on Jeepney Drivers
The introduction of a modernization program was met with strong disagreement
by jeepney drivers, mainly because they feel this would mean the retirement of many of
their types of vehicles-an attack on their livelihood. Many jeepney drivers live hand-to-
mouth, depending on the money they can make from their jeepneys. The rising price of
new jeepneys, along with an unstable market in terms of employment and very few
sources of financing, manifested it through mega protests and strikes. The drivers further
argue that the change does not address reality in terms of work, with most people viewing
the possibility of getting loans or any source of finance to transition into newer vehicles
with suspicion (Contributors, 2024). The failure by the government to offer the drivers
support has frustrated many people, possibly for fear of losing their jobs and reduced
income.

Public Opinion
There are differing opinions regarding the jeepney modernization program. On one
hand, very many people appreciate a change to cleaner and far more efficient public
transport, especially in cities; but then again there is an overwhelming proportion of the
population, again jeepney drivers, who are critical about how the modernization program
would affect their livelihoods. For instance, the government scheme of modernization
does not really consider the financial capacity of small operators and drivers. As one
driver was quoted as saying, "Sana intindihin niya kaming mga maliliit, kaming mga
driver," admiring the sentiment of being neglected in the quest for modernization (Scholar,
2023). A lot of drivers claim that the program is more about replacing old jeepneys with
new jeepneys, most of which are electric, and does not consider the burden they have
placed on them financially. Fearing lay-offs or ousting out of business without proper
governmental support, protests and strikes were the visible response to the program as
these drivers demand better financial assistance, secure job employment, and a just
approach towards modernization. Critics further question if the program can really
address the broad issues of traffic since road infrastructure and over-crowding are still
gigantic problems (Inquirer, 2018). While the public has generally welcomed the concept
of a greener transport system, indifference to the situation of jeepney drivers have fuelled
growing sentiment against the government's take in it.
REFLECTION
The Philippines jeepney modernization program is actually a complex concept that
starts with efforts to make it environmentally sustainable and efficient in public
transportation. Such a program would make the environment cleaner, reduce pollution,
and enable the country to work with climate goals of the nation. However, such a
modernization program has still been quite controversial in discussion regarding its
possible economic impact and the practicality of implementation. Obviously, drivers and
operators of jeepneys-who in many cases rely on the motor vehicles for their livelihood-
are most affected by expensive modernization of their motor vehicle; plus, they fear that
they would be out of jobs because of this. Public opinion is actually divided between the
desire to have a more environment-friendly transportation system and fear that small
operators and drivers would be further marginalized by the policy. The way forward is
likely to be balancing these environmental objectives with economic realities such that
adequate support may be provided to the workers affected by this transition.
 REFERENCE
Kusuma, N. (2023c, March 9). Is Jeepney Phase-Out a just transition to sustainable
transport system? Green Network Asia. https://greennetwork.asia/news/is-
jeepney-phase-out-a-just-transition-to-sustainable-transport-system/
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. (2023, March 8). Jeepneys, backbone of public
transport in Philippines, face modernization by government.
https://www.asiapacific.ca/publication/jeepneys-backbone-public-transport-
philippines-face
Punongbayan, J. (2023, March 10). [ANALYSIS] The economics of jeepney modernization.
RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/analysis-
economics-jeepney-modernization-program/
Aithor. (2024, July 8). The impact of Jeepney modernization on public transportation and
local culture in the Philippines. aithor.com. https://aithor.com/essay-
examples/the-impact-of-jeepney-modernization-on-public-transportation-and-
local-culture-in-the-philippines
Contributors, B. (2024, April 23). Riding the crossroads: The battle of Manila’s jeepney
drivers against modernization. Bulatlat.
https://www.bulatlat.com/2024/04/19/riding-the-crossroads-the-battle-of-
manilas-jeepney-drivers-against-modernization/
ICI Journals Master List. (n.d.).
https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/search/article?articleId=3894566
Inquirer, P. D. (2018, January 12). Jeepney modernization program won’t solve traffic
woes | Inquirer Opinion. INQUIRER.net.
https://opinion.inquirer.net/110191/jeepney-modernization-program-wont-solve-
traffic-woes
Cabico, G. K. (2023, March 1). As strike looms, Marcos says jeepney phaseout “necessary”
but can be improved. Philstar.com.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/03/01/2248512/strike-looms-
marcos-says-jeepney-phaseout-necessary-can-be-improved
Scholar, S. (2023, April 21). #OPINION | Jeepney modernization: An erasure of livelihoods.
Medium. https://medium.com/the-science-scholar/opinion-jeepney-
modernization-an-erasure-of-livelihoods-1089e4a8d270