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Foto: B6 Business Spotlight 6/
THE BIG PICTURE
PHILIPPINESGoodbye to
the jeepney
EASYSmall buses called “jeepneys” have been
a part of life in the Philippines for more
than 70 years. But that’s about to change.
As cities like Manila become more and
more congested, jeepneys are being
phased out, according to AFP.
The colourful vehicles are not only old,
but cause pollution. Originally built after
the Second World War from abandoned
US army jeeps, jeepneys use diesel fuel.
They are often overcrowded. Althoughriding on top of the buses is no longer
permitted, people do it anyway.
Now, the Philippine government has
a seven-year plan for replacing the jeep-
neys. An estimated 180,000 are still on the
road. Drivers are being paid subsidies so
they can change to more modern vehicles,
but many are worried that they won’t be
able to afford to do so. Others fear that
they will lose their jobs altogether and be
unable to find something new.