Manila's jeepneys – in pictures
Part of the Philippine urban landscape for decades, jeepneys, small buses originally made from military vehicles left by the Americans after the second world war, are being phased out. Pollution and safety concerns mean jeepneys 15 years or older will be taken off the streets by 2020. Also threatened are the livelihoods of artists who customise them
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Customised artwork on the side of a jeepney as a driver’s assistant waits for passengers.
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Rush-hour traffic in Manila.
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Commuters run to catch a ride on a jeepney.
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A painting of Jesus Christ on the door of a jeepney.
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Congestion in Manila.
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The jeepneys are seen as a cultural symbol of Manila and the Philippines, as recognisable as the yellow taxis of New York.
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Commuters board a jeepney.
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For decades, the jeepneys have provided a cheap and popular mode of transport for millions of city dwellers.
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As part of a government plan, vehicles aged 15 and above must be replaced by next year with ‘eco-jeepneys’, electric vehicles or ones with less polluting engines.
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A commuter hails a jeepney during rush hour.
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In concessions to comfort, the new minibuses will be air-conditioned, with individual seats, and large enough to allow passengers to stand up.
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The new vehicles will be mass-produced rather than made and customised in small workshops, removing one factor which has contributed to the fame of the traditional jeepneys.
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