Iconic Jeepney

The iconic Filipino jeepney is one of the country’s main modes of public transport and local commuters simply learn through time and experience how the tacit system of traveling via jeepney works. First-timers however are bound to find themselves puzzled at one point or another, attempting to get from origin to destination via these anachronistic vehicles. But don’t fret — Culture Trip’s got you covered. From flagging one down to secret commuter tricks, here’s everything you need to know about riding a jeepney in the Philippines. The first and most important thing to know for your jeepney adventure is your route. Know your starting point and know where you want to end up (what the areas are called, the names of the stops, roughly how long it takes from one point to the other). Without so much as a set schedule of sorts or an official map of routes available to the public, the best way to learn all this is by asking a more seasoned fellow commuter. Don’t be shy and simply ask around. Filipinos are very warm and friendly, and they’ll be glad to help out if they can. Tell whomever you ask the location you want to go and ask which jeep (or jeeps — you might have to switch jeepneys along the way) to take and where to take it. Ask if there’s a jeepney stop or terminal nearby, or, if there aren’t any, which street to wait on in order to flag one down. Take note of the jeep you’re looking for. Jeepneys run back and forth on their respective routes throughout the day, and these routes are usually indicated along their sides or windshields. Keep in mind which road or area names to watch out for (and where to switch jeepneys if need be). Again, it’s very important to know which jeepney to take. It’s also crucial to consider that while some jeepneys might have the same main stops (written on the jeepney’s body), they may not take the same roads from one stop to the other. This becomes important when you’re getting off along the way as opposed to the final stop. These roads are indicated along the vehicle’s body as well, with a “via…” followed by its designated route. Sometimes, jeepney drivers are assisted by people called “barkers.” These barkers man terminals or busy jeepney stops and loudly call out the vehicle’s routes and destinations, encouraging passengers in. The barker then gives the driver the go-ahead once the jeepney is full, who then customarily gives the barker a small tip for his efforts. Feel free to ask these barkers if a certain jeepney is making your stop or which one to take to your destination. #guidebook by Katrina Escalona. #PindlePhilippines