the Iconic Filipino “jeepney” – the jeeps with the big body, used as taxi, can not survive the pandemic of coronavirus. This writes the Japanese newspaper Asahi.
Known bright coloring, numerous faults, high-polluting diesel engines and horrendous behavior on the roads of the Philippine “jeepney” from the beginning of quarantine, introduced in the Philippines three months ago because of the coronavirus, were not popular. The drivers of the jeep-taxis are unemployed and begging.
authorities in the Philippines even before the pandemic had planned to modernize the field of public transport, replacing the old “jeepneys”, which was the main means of passenger transport, to a more modern model. Classic “jeepney” came to the Philippines after the war, when local craftsmen altered under the bus thrown by American troops, the army jeeps. In a short time “jeepneys”, the striking and exotic, became one of the symbols of the island nation. Often the base and the chassis of the American jeeps maintained so far, owners only change progniusis in the wet climate of the body.
Authorities want, taking advantage of a break during the quarantine, to get rid of the old “jeepneys”, replacing them with new electric vehicles.
currently, the country is coming out of quarantine, and public transport is back on the streets. However, work permit holders old “jeepneys” the authorities are reluctant to give. Meanwhile, drivers say that they have no money to buy new “electrodepo”.
