The Filipino jeepney is called “the king of the road.” One wonders if it is because of the jeepneys’ immense number, their loud colours, their catchy designs or the drivers’ penchant for ruling the lanes – and breaking road rules. To many citizens, it is one of the most affordable means of transportation. To jeepney owners, they are mobile canvases for creativity. For their manufacturers and operators, they are a source of livelihood. In Cebu, the minimum jeepney fare is 6.50 Philippine pesos (as of early August 2009). The rate increases for long distances until the jeepney reaches the end of its route. Jeepneys are coded with numbers and letters according to the routes that they traverse. Each jeep usually seats 16 to 30 persons, depending on how large it is.

The jeepney has become an iconic symbol for Philippine transportation not only for its extensive use. It is also depicted in many tourism brochures as a colourful and powerful vehicle. Indeed, no two jeepneys are exactly alike. Jeepneys come with graphics, illustrations, religious figures, favourite quotes and even the names of one’s wife and children. Such designs are applied either through airbrush painting or with graphic stickers. A jeepney’s hood features an assortment of items, too, including miniature horses and luxury car emblems. The body may be adorned with side drapes, flags and antennas. Although some jeepneys are pieces of art, it takes a brave and adventurous tourist to ride one. If you want to experience the common means of transportation of the majority of middle-class and low-class Filipinos, then be prepared to sit in a hot, jam-packed vehicle with a seeming stunt driver behind the wheel. Still, doing so will earn you the approval of locals. Plus, it will be a ride that you really will not forget.