The Jeepney Journey

Have you ever sat beside a passenger who’s also a student and doing his/her assignment while you’re on your way to your destinations? Have you experienced a girl’s hair brushed against you because she didn’t pony tailed it, and worse when the gush of the wind is strong? Have you tried sleeping inside the jeepney or sitting beside a carpenter who is snoring? Have you passed a passenger’s fare to the driver or the conductor or vice versa when he/she has a change? 

And most of all, have you been with different people, with different attitudes and statuses in life in one transportation for at least an hour inside a JEEPNEY?

Me, I did. And I do experience these things everyday whenever I go to school and going back at home.

For the sake of others, Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. They have become a symbol of Philippine culture.

There are other options in choosing public transportations for a ride to your destination. You can ride on a bus or an FX and they are more convenient because you get to sit well and they are well air conditioned. But the fares are not as cheap as the fare in a jeepney. But for me I prefer riding it because I can save more from my allowance, but it doesn’t mean I am poor and I can’t afford the fare of the other public transportations. Anyone can ride a jeepney, even the richest person in the world can, maybe because I have my own reasons that I couldn’t explain well to you. All I know is when you’re inside that vehicle; passengers are seated facing each other while traveling. And while you’re on your journey you get to notice something, and it can turn out to something you can share in this blog.