Jeepney factory, Manila
Discussion
Was in Manila on business last week and had the chance to visit a Jeepney factory. This is the staple for cheap public transport in the country - originally modified from ex WW2 Willey's left behind by the Americans, they nowadays fabricated from new. Saroa was the original converter (though he failed to secure the IP so there are many competitors) and they are handmade over a 4 month period. Engine and gearboxes are reconditioned units shipped from Japan - mainly old Isuzu diesels but Nissan and Toyota are also popular.
The passenger experience is predictably diabolical - terrible ride, no crash protection whatsoever, noisy, no headroom, no performance, fellow passengers basically sitting in your lap, open sides to the choking fumes of rush hour traffic etc etc however a more action packed, adrenalin fuelled journey you could not hope to have. All for pennies.
The factory "tour" is comical. I read on line that it existed so turned up to get a pic or 2 for my young sons. As it transpired I just walked in; no sign in procedure, no H+S check, no guide, no mention of where I could go or not go, nothing!
Note the strict employee health and safety guideline being followed and the hospital surgery like order of the engine shop...
Filling the bench seats with coconut fibres
And finally, one hand built especially for the Pope's visit with bullet proof glass made from a cut 'n shut Nissan Patrol.
The passenger experience is predictably diabolical - terrible ride, no crash protection whatsoever, noisy, no headroom, no performance, fellow passengers basically sitting in your lap, open sides to the choking fumes of rush hour traffic etc etc however a more action packed, adrenalin fuelled journey you could not hope to have. All for pennies.
The factory "tour" is comical. I read on line that it existed so turned up to get a pic or 2 for my young sons. As it transpired I just walked in; no sign in procedure, no H+S check, no guide, no mention of where I could go or not go, nothing!
Note the strict employee health and safety guideline being followed and the hospital surgery like order of the engine shop...
Filling the bench seats with coconut fibres
And finally, one hand built especially for the Pope's visit with bullet proof glass made from a cut 'n shut Nissan Patrol.
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