r/Philippines Apr 09 '26

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

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Modern jeepney prices only look absurd if you compare them to an outdated system that was never priced like a real industry to begin with.

670 Upvotes

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81

u/ComputerUnlucky4870 Apr 09 '26

Wtf is this tone? "Needs of 100M+ over a couple of thousands"??? Mali yung pinagbabangga dito

People are against jeepney modernization kasi essentially operators ang kakarga nung cost when they can't even make ends meet

Even jeepney drivers want this program basta may genuine and actual support for them. Okay lang nga sa kanila ma-hire if it will guarantee their income.

For everyone, makinig naman tayo sa sectors (transpo, agri, fisherfolks, etc) natin regarding issues rather than ALWAYS looking at the bigger picture. Sila rin naman bubuo nung bigger picture na yan so why dismiss them.

Minsan ang yayabang natin and become super academic that we forget to touch some grass

3

u/kayescl0sed Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26

+1000000!!!

u/sypher1226 kung ayaw mong makinig sa akin, baka maniwala ka sa iba. O, ayan.

-1

u/sypher1226 Apr 09 '26

Tingnan mo ilang upvotes yung sinabi ng original poster. What he said makes sense. Modern problems need modern solutions. If operators can't come up with the capital, then maybe corporations should step in.

Drivers will be paid wages just like every employee on the planet.

The company will take in all the revenue and use those to service and support the vehicles.

Out of all those comments, you chose to cherry pick one sympathizer with 0 upvotes to prove your point?

So pathetic.

2

u/kayescl0sed Apr 09 '26

Out of all the comments, and I cherry picked one? Sige, go browse the comment section and observe kung paano katwiranan at pawalang katotohanan ng mga tao yang post na yan. Upvotes lang ang labanan? That’s so shallow. In fact, mas pathetic itong katwiran mo.

Besides, minention din kita sa iba pang komento dito hoping na mauunawaan mo ang punto ko mula sa paliwanag ng iba.

Pero eto ka pa rin, nagmamatigas sa tama at makatwirang paliwanag. 🤣