Very Colorful Public Transportation of the Philippines
(I hope we get to ride in one!)
I found the sites below describe them best:
"When American troops began to leave the Philippines at the end of World War II, hundreds of surplus jeeps were sold or given to local Filipinos. The Filipinos stripped down the jeeps to accommodate several passengers, added metal roofs for shade, and decorated the vehicles with vibrant colors and bright chrome hood ornaments.
The jeepney rapidly emerged as a popular and creative way to re-establish inexpensive public transportation, which had been virtually destroyed during World War II. Recognizing the widespread use of these vehicles, the Philippine government began to place restrictions on their use. Drivers now must have specialized licenses, regular routes, and reasonably fixed fares."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepney
"The undisputed King of the Philippine Roads is the jeepney. Since it first emerged after the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, it has become a fixture in roads all over the country so much so that it is now considered a symbol of national pride. Jeepneys are adorned with colorful designs that distinguish them from one another, with themes ranging from the serious to the outright silly, but all uniquely Filipino."
Source: Republic of Philippines Department of Tourism
Newer versions of the Jeepney are not repurposed vehicles and include air conditioning. Electrical Jeepneys are also hitting the streets of the Philippines. Read more...
Photo above courtesy of http://www.traveladventures.org/
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