I just reread the entire Jeepney series, and I have to say my view on it has not changed. It is still terribly myopic, snobbish, and non-constructive.

Before I go any further, here's the link to the Jeepney series. It's on the Beerkada Blog.
The Jeepney Series

Now to get the facts straight... Nothing Lyndon stated on that series was false. It is all true. And I would be a hypocrite if I said I had no complaints whatsoever with Jeepneys. In fact, there are many instances over time that I have felt the same way as L has regarding Jeepneys. Jeepneys are uncomfortable, noisy, and terrible sources of air pollution. There, I said it.

So why am I so pissed with the series? The Jeepney series betrays a lack of understanding and compassion on our part. We complain and complain about Jeepneys and stuff, but has any of you out there bothered to question why the situation is like this in the first place? Or can you only see what's in front of you?

Okay, point per point...

Strip #1: Regarding the make and structure of Jeepneys
Well, sure, it sucks. But you have to realize that the Stainless Steel Jeepney is the cheapest vehicle to produce. It's an accepted mode of transportation, and it's affordable to purchase. I am no longer sure how much a Jeepney costs nowadays, but I'm sure you can buy 3-4 jeepneys for the price of a brand new Van. i could be wrong, but this fact is not hard to believe. So, in effect, to hell with "Filipino Ingenuity, Innovativeness, and Adaptability". The only Filipino trait important here is "Survival".

For argument's sake, it is possible to make better Jeepneys. Cebu is a fantastic example. They have some of the more comfortable, spacious, and beautiful jeeps. And it's not just a handful; most of the Cebu jeeps are gorgeous to look at and to ride on. If they can do it, so can everybody else, right? Easier said than done, though.

Strip #2: Regarding signboards
Sorry, this strip is plain moronic. You got on that jeepney because you saw the sign. Why do you need to be able to read it from the inside? In case you forgot? Stupid.

Strip #3: Regarding "Visibility"
Can't argue with this.

Strip #4: Regarding snatchers and Beggars
Again, can't argue with this. Still, since Jeepneys are open-air vehicles, that makes it hard for commuters to ignore beggars (Which is a totally different topic altogether).

Strip #5: Regarding the Driver's "lack of concern"
Self-righteous crap. How many of you reading this have driven a Jeepney? A passenger-type? If yes, have you driven that Jeep with the intention of picking up and dropping off passengers, and collecting fare? I HAVE. It was even televised. And you know what? I was cursing half the time. The damn jeep was heavy. My arms were aching from all the effort. And it was all I could do to drive safely; somebody else had to collect the fares for me. I couldn't do it.

I consider myself above average in terms of intelligence and street-smarts, and yet I was having the worst time trying to ply a jeepney route. I can't even begin to imagine how a real Jeepney driver does it. Can you?

So the next time you grumble about how a jeepney driver didn't drop you off at the right stop, remember that same driver has been plying that route for eight hours, collecting fares, dealing with traffic, worrying about making Boundary. Besides, some Jeepney Drivers actually do drop you off correctly.

Strip #6: Regarding "Trash"
At least there's a trash can nowadays. Pocket your own trash, you big baby.

Strip #7: Regarding cargo space
Well, that is a nuisance. I've found myself smushed between tons of produce too many times (Especially on the Baclaran and Alabang routes). Still, give these guys a break when you can. Most instances, the cargo in question is usually vegetables, fruits, and other fare to be sold in a local market. In this case, these people are working their asses off to make a living. Cut them some slack.

Of course, if this happens during the daytime, raise Hell.

Strip #8: Regarding your rights
The first time I read the series, I remember getting totally pissed with this particular strip. For me, this strip encapsulates everything wrong about this series.

When you get down to it, Jeepney Drivers are trying to survive, that's all. Yes, some of them are total bastards. Yes, some of them are damn abusive. And yes, we as passengers deserve better. But in most cases, they're just trying to eke out a exsistence in the hardest way possible. They have no time to think about comfort, priviledge, and rights. They are busy trying to make the most of the day, making sure that they have enough money to feed their families. Think about that.

If you insist on better treatment for passengers, you have every right to do so. Just realize, though, who the real enemy is. It is not the drivers; they are victims, too. The problem is in the way the system is built. A system that insists on Boundary, rather than monthly salaries. A system that is not handled by the Government (at least, not in the way it should be), but is run by thousands of transport associations, each with its own set of laws and standards. A system that is not long-term in scope.

And if you can afford to refuse to ride jeepneys, then whoopee for you. I, for one, can't afford that luxary. I need to ride Jeepneys. I have no choice. So instead of bitching about how terrible it is to ride these damn things, I try to make the most of it. I try to understand. And understanding is the first step.

PS: L, I did read the "Constructive Criticism" part in the blog (Had to sift through the archives for that one, though. Close, but no cigar.