You wouldn't believe it, but these vehicles are actually the only public transportation in Cebu.
The first of their kind were built from the left behind Williys-Jeeps of the US Army, which were simply extended.
Of these, only the name remains: Jeepney
When I saw the first one, I wanted to buy one and convert it into a rice mobile, i.e. put in windows and a door, take out the benches and put in a bed, put air conditioning and solar on the roof and an awning on the side. I wanted to explore the Philippines with it. But after my first trip with such a thing, I have refrained from it. They really are as junky as they are colorful. Finding a gear is like stirring in the mud, brakes and electrics work at whim and space is really too limited.
Besides, I'm not even allowed to drive the one without a residence.
Maybe it's better that way.
In Cebu there are fixed lines for the jeepneys, their numbers are then painted somewhere on the vehicle, but when they drive and how often is up to the owners themselves. They buy one of the much sought-after licenses to be allowed to drive a certain line, and then they drive when they want.
And the system works without central planning.
Payment is only made in the jeepney and an unwritten rule states that the jeepney must drive. At least that was my impression.
The passenger calls out something in English that you don't understand and you answer with the street where you want to get off.
The answer is again an unintelligible sentence ending with "Peso" and then you pass a bill from your own hand over all the hands in between to the passenger, who passes some coins back.
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I did not even understand what it should cost, but it was always dirt cheap.
In general, the rip-off in Cebu was much less than in Phuket, where it has become a habit to rip off tourists at TukTuk and cab prices.
The cab meters in the cabs worked as they should. I did not notice any "Here comes a Tourist" switches under the driver's seat.
Only these moped cabs thought tourists are too stupid to calculate. They sometimes charged the same prices as a cab. But in these things a ride is no fun anyway.
Travel Resources for your trip to The Philippines
Recommended by TravelFeed
Flights: We recommend checking Kiwi.com to find the best and cheapest flights to The Philippines.
Accomodation: Explore the best places to stay in The Philippines on Booking.com, Agoda and Hostelworld.
Travel Insurance: Medical emergencies abroad can be pricey, but travel health insurance is not. We always use SafetyWing for affordable and reliable coverage.
Car Rental: For hassle-free car hiring, DiscoverCars is our trusted choice with a wide selection of vehicles.
Internet: Got an eSIM compatible phone? Airalo is perfect for reliable internet access during your trip. Just install it before you go, and you're set!
Day Trips & Tours: We recommend GetYourGuide for a variety of well-organized and enjoyable activities.
Travel Planner: Need a hand planning? Our free travel planner chatbot is your personal guide to The Philippines. Chat now.
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