Jeepneys face a rough ride - PI

[dArKeR]

REUTERS , MANILA
Wednesday, Apr 21, 2004,Page 16

With their garish colours, chrome mudguards and lavish decorations, jeepneys are the unique Philippine solution to the problem of mass transport.

The open-air converted jeeps, with names such as "Zig Zag Queen," "Brutista" and "In God We Trust" painted on their sun screens, give a festive flair to local roads and set Manila apart from any other Asian megacity.

But for passengers, the charm can be less obvious. Packed knee-to-knee on twin benches, they bake in the tropical heat, exposed to diesel fumes and the din of traffic.

While still king of the road, the national icon faces stiff competition from airconditoned buses and Japanese vehicles known as "FXs," for the Toyota Tamaraw FX, a minivan that is ubiquitous in the Philippines.

"There's no way you can step out of a jeepney and not be smelly. It's not the best way to go the office," said Ricus de Castro, a computer science student.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2004/04/21/2003137566

I miss Jeepney rides!