Philippines' E-Jeepney

It's more fun in the Philippines. I really love the slogan our Philippine government had made to capture tourists to come visit our country. It doesn't only entice foreign visitors but also the locals to explore more of our country's natural resources and Mother nature has gifted us. Though I haven't been to all the places in the country, but I am very sure that Philippines is blessed with so much not other country has.

One of our country's trademark is the jeepney which Filipinos are known for with it's quirkiness and vibrancy as to its facade. It is a ride that transports people to and fro its destination within the streets aside from the car and bus.

Photo source here. Actually there are various styles and designs our jeepney has. You can Google it.
It's super cool and you can just imagine how our homegrown artists can be so exceptionally creative.

Photo source here. The inside of the jeepney.
It has so much room and leg for passengers.

Photo source here. If jam-packed, here's how it looked like.
Filipinos are known for being genuinely friendly, hospitable and 
who loves to wear a smile on their faces.

Photo source here.
Even international actor Vin Diesel took a jeepney ride.

However, along the way, Filipino inventors never stop discovering things that will benefit its people and the whole world in the long run. We all know that this kind of motor vehicle is contributing to the noise and air pollution around. The jeepney itself is not actually the problem but of how owners doesn't give regular maintenance to its units thus having smoke belchers everywhere and honking too aggressively without being sensitive. Glad that I was able to read in my FB newsfeed about this E-jeepney that will replace our traditional jeepney. Here's the link. 

Similarly, I was able to ride a jeepney of that kind yesterday.

At first, I was quite hesitant on riding that jeepney because it has no signage of its route. There were passengers already inside. The driver asked me if I was going to SM City Davao and I said yes.

When comfortably seated inside, I noticed that there's no much noise with regards to its engine. Normally, when you're inside you can hear the engine's noise and its muffler. But amazingly, it's such a smooth ride and it's noise free. Since I sat near the driver, I was looking on the driver's dashboard and the feet pads below where the clutch, brake and accelerator are located. I noticed that there is no gear. I have no idea as to when to use the gear but every time I think it's to be geared, he steps on to another feet pad which I think is the gear. 

I regret not taking the picture of it. But when somebody in front seated causing my view to be blocked, I wasn't able to take a photo na. The passenger asked if the jeepney is solar powered and the driver said yes. If I heard it right, the driver said around 8 to 10 e-jeepneys are being tested here in Davao City. And I think it's for free. But I already paid my fare. I only realize its for free because one of the passenger said thank you upon disembarking the jeep. Oh well, it's still worth it. I just put in mind it's a donation to this kind of project.

I don't know if this is the same jeepney as the COMET e-jeep being tested and launched during US President Obama on his 2-day Philippine visit last April 28-29, 2014 in Manila. See link here.

Personally, I would recommend this kind of jeepney, engine-wise, because it's no doubt beneficial to our environment and to us in the long run. #ejeepney #Philippines #davaocity #environment-friendly #notosmokebelchers