Jeepney factory, Manila
Discussion
Hi all - I posted this in General Gassing but thought it may have more interest here... Hope you enjoy.
Dapster
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.
Dapster
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.
That looks like a great place to look around for a few hours. There is a similar place near my wife's family's house in San Fernando (Pampanga). They mainly make the more modern looking Jeepneys there. However, their facility is no where near as posh as that one. It's a complex of open sheds on the side of the main road.
As you said, the ride is by no means comfortable, but its a cheap way to travel for the masses. (7-12 pesos per ride = approx. 10-15 pence)
My point of view on these is that they should ban them throughout the Philippines, due to the pollution they cause and replace them with something a little greener. I think they have already banned them in certain parts of Manila.
As you said, the ride is by no means comfortable, but its a cheap way to travel for the masses. (7-12 pesos per ride = approx. 10-15 pence)
My point of view on these is that they should ban them throughout the Philippines, due to the pollution they cause and replace them with something a little greener. I think they have already banned them in certain parts of Manila.
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