E-Jeepneys: A Possible Paradigm Shift to Help Alleviate Plight of Jeepney Drivers

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) yesterday welcomed the introduction of e-jeepneys and its monthly salarization scheme to its drivers as a possible introduction of a paradigm shift to alleviate the plight of thousands of Filipino drivers and reduce emission of fossil-fuel pollution.

“The introduction of regular monthly salary to e-jeepney drivers could probably change the daily calculus of our drivers in terms of income and working environment. Nowadays, with the boundary system, they are earning a measly 300 to 400 pesos take home pay after a day’s 10-hour rigorous work. Yet, if they are paid with e-jeepneys’ regular salary, well, this can spell an improvement in their way of life,” said Democrito Mendoza, TUCP President.

Mendoza also emphasized that with the current e-jeepney concept as introduced, drivers will not just enjoy the security of a dignified waged earner but they will also contribute in minimizing the pollution in their working environment. 

“With the e-jeepney, drivers’ exposure and their contribution to the pollution on the streets where they work is dramatically lessened. If pollution in their working environment is minimized, they tend to be more productive,” Mendoza added.

Mendoza made the reaction in view of the granting of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) franchise the other day to 21 e-jeepneys to ply some select routes in Makati City beginning tomorrow March 1.

There are 203,000 estimated registered fossil-fuelled jeepneys with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and around 50,000 of which are in Metro Manila. 


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                                                                                                                           "King of the Road"               

      
        Electronic jeepneys or e- jeepneys as they call it are jeepneys that uses electricity. As the price of gasoline increases, many drivers are affected including those jeepney drivers that uses gasoline. However, even though e-jeepneys can save much money than the usual jeepneys, it still have disadvantages. I once heard a news report related to a taxi that uses LPG instead of gasoline. But, when the taxi was left in a very hot temperature, it exploded. I still prefer to ride in normal jeepneys. What if it suddenly explode? I still love my life you know. But, I must also consider the fare. I'm still a student and I do't have a job yet to support my wants. 
        I also notice that here in Davao city, there are lots of "e-tricycle"(I don't how do they call it'). I think it is the same with e-jeepneys. It runs really slow. What if i'm in a hurry? that's the second disadvantage. Talking about disadvantages will take me too long to enumerate all of it. 
       Let's proceed to the advantages of these hybrid cars (cars that do not use gasoline). First, it provides a cheaper means of transportation. Second, according to my own observation, it is really enjoying to ride on these type of jeepneys. It is really unique and amazing.
       All in all, I still prefer to ride on the usual jeepneys.:)

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To the makers of these kind of cars, I think they should really assure that it is not easily be burned:)