Take a ride in Cebu’s JEEP, JEEPney!

WHAT’S A JEEPNEY?

The word, “jeepney,” is believed to be a combination of the two words, “jeep” and
“jitney.” Jeepneys in Cebu evolved either from American military jeeps used during
World War II or from Japanese-made cargo trucks. Filipinos ingeniously added some
technical parts, the long seats, roof, and colorful artworks you now see. They come in different sizes, colors and faces. Usually, they are designed
with cartoon characters, wordarts or scores of other creative artworks.
Take Kuya Omar’s jeepney for example.

Kuya Omar’s Jeepney has got a cool personalized look!

Jeepneys in Cebu have codes displayed at the front, on the sides and at the back.
The codes are a combination of numbers and letters that tell you its route. For example, Kuya Omar’s Jeepney has the code, 03Q. All 03Q jeepneys travel from
Ayala Mall to SM Mall and vice-versa. In addition, the destinations of jeepneys
are drafted on the sides and, sometimes, on a small signage posted on the windshield.

Refer to these route codes!

What makes a jeepney different from other modes of transportation in Cebu?
At both sides, you will see two long bench-like seats for the passengers.
One jeepney can accommodate 12-24 passengers, depending on the size.
Two long seats inside a jeepney

These long seats give room for more passengers!

If you’re not from the Philippines or Cebu and you’ve never ridden one, then
take the jeepney! If you’re having second thoughts on riding one, then consider
the following lists of advantages and disadvantages.

ADVANTAGES

GET ON for ADVENTURE.

If you’re adventure-freak (like me, nowadays) and you like getting new
experiences, then hop on! No further explanation needed.

LEARN a NEW LANGUAGE.

Being in a country not your own, you will hear foreign words, of course.
But, it is definitely an advantage if you know a little of the basics of the
language. For example, “palihug” (pa-lee-hoog), which means “please,” is a
Cebuano word you will commonly hear inside the jeepney. This is a handy word
if you are far from the Jeepney Driver and you want to pass your fare on to the next
person. Upon passing your fare to the next person, you simply say, “Palihug!”
And the next person will get it and pass it on to the others. “Palihug” is a word
applicable not only inside the jeepney but in any situation wherein you want
to say, “Please!”

SAVE MONEY.

The jeepney is the most affordable and readily available type of public
transportation in Cebu City. Nowadays, the fare starts at 7php and increases
with long distances. Students and senior citizens get a discounted fare of 6php.
So, if you want to cut down your expenses or save a few extras of your money
for something worthwhile, then riding a jeepney will help you with that.

DISADVANTAGES

TIGHT SEATS at PEAK HOURS
Many people ride the jeepney during peak hours. Peak hours are
usually: 6am-8am, 11am-1pm, and 4pm-6pm. So, at these times, it’ll be
quite inconvenient to ride a jeepney.

SEVERAL STOPS

If you want to get to your destination on schedule, then it’s better
to take a taxi. Because the passengers inside the jeepney are headed to
different destinations, the jeepney will have to make many stops at
different areas along its route. So, the jeepney wouldn’t be a good pick
if you’re in a hurry.

Every thing has its own advantages and disadvantages. But sometimes, we shouldn’t allow the negative sides scare us away because
the advantages weigh more in importance. However, it does depend upon the immediate
situation. Nevertheless, don’t hesitate to consider. ^_- Enjoy Cebu!

This Japanese friend of mine has already ridden the Jeepney many times!