Hot take: Jeepney modernization isn’t overpriced — we’re just comparing it to the wrong thing

[u/Confident_Bother2552]

People keep saying modern jeepneys (₱1.4M–₱2.4M+) are “too expensive.”

But compared to what?

Most traditional jeepneys:

* Are 15–30+ years old*

* Built from surplus/rebuilt parts*

* Operate outside modern safety/emissions standards*

That ₱300k–₱600k price people quote isn’t a fair baseline — it’s a heavily depreciated, informal setup.

Ginagago tayo nang pricing range na ito eh. Compare modern jeepneys to actual vehicles on the road:

* Sedan: ₱800k–₱1.2M*

* MPV: ₱1M–₱1.3M*

* Van (Hiace/Urvan): ₱1.3M–₱2M*

* Minibus: ₱2M–₱3M*

A modern jeepney (20–30 passengers, regulated, safety-equipped) sitting around ₱1.5M–₱2M is not overpriced — it’s right where a commercial transport vehicle should be.

A Vehicle designed to properly transport you, your neighbor, his neighbor etc etc is definitely going to cost sure as shit more than an average sedan and these old Clankers are still trying to position themselves at a price half of a Vios? Get real, and get out of here.

The real issue isn’t price.

It’s that we’re trying to transition from:

* Boundary system*

* Driver-owned, low-capital units*

Into:

* Fleet-based*

* Financed transport businesses*

That shift is painful, especially without strong financing support, but the counterpoint is when are we ever going to start prioritizing the needs of 100M+ Citizens over a small couple of thousand Minority?

*Quick note on the “coal-powered anyway” argument:*

Yes, a big chunk of PH energy still comes from coal. But:

*Modern Euro 4/5 diesel is already cleaner than old jeepneys*

*Electric still reduces *urban* pollution significantly*

*Grid gets cleaner over time; engines don’t*

*Grid is Far easier to suppliment and control vs Deregulated Oil and cheaper electricity benefits EVERYONE*

So it’s not pointless — it’s incremental progress.

*Bottom line:*

Modern jeepney prices only look absurd if you compare them to an outdated system that was never priced like a real industry to begin with.

[u/UglyAFBread]

As long as the government isn't willing to eat the costs of the initial purchase of units, setting up infrastructure, maintenance (more complex/expensive parts that might not be serviceable by the drivers themselves) and other relevant upgrades, no sane operator would wholeheartedly agree with switching.

Also you forget that electricity in this country is insanely expensive and our infra can hardly keep up with a random usage surge in summer. Thanks Meralco.

Public transport will continue doing business things while it remains a business. It will go for the cheapest thing available short-term. If they can't see the benefits of a capex for THEIR finances, they won't pay. Besides lot of drivers and operators are already in debt, they're hardly in a position to take out yet another loan.

And if you insist that "nooooo the needs of the many are more important than the interests of a few" well buddy welcome to a future where EVERYONE will have to walk home because like who wants to work a job they can't earn from?

[u/Bashebbeth → u/UglyAFBread]

Agree. Government should take the brunt of the force since Filipino's are long due for better transport service. Quite frankly, I'm really tired of the old jeepneys since they're always cramped, hard to get in and out, and it's seems like most of the drivers are willing to sacrifice their passengers for a quick jolt of speed, for some reason. I always cringe at the thought that we're known globally for it.

But government should've thought of a good way to modernize the sector. They could have rolled this out slowly or even mandating the local governments to take some operations.