The Philippines' traditional Jeepney to be modernized a threat the livelihood of public utility driv by Ryan Eduard Benaid / SOPA Images
For decades, commuters have relied on jeepney, a vibrant and iconic method of transportation in the Philippines. It is regarded as an iconic representation of Philippine transportation and has evolved into a national symbol. The first Jeepneys were converted American military jeeps that had been abandoned in the Philippines following World War II into unique public transit vehicles that could accomodate up to 20 passengers. On it's decade run, the government is pushing a modernization initiative to replace outdated jeepneys with newer versions that adhere to tighter safety and emissions standards. Jeepney drivers and operators disagree with this decision, citing the ailing cost of modernizing the vehicle. In comparison to traditional jeepneys, which only cost 150,000 to 250,000 Pesos (2,700 to 4,500 USD), the modernized jeepney will cost over and almost 2 million Pesos (36,000 USD) each unit. The program's unaffordable expenses and impending deadline for fleet modernization may disrupt the livelihoods of ten of thousands of traditional jeepney drivers in the country.
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