Top 5 Vehicles That Should Replace the Popular Jeepney

There's no getting around it --  jeepneys need to evolve in order to survive. They've been a constant problem for a long time now, and they're in dire need of improvement. Fortunately, we're already seeing changes taking place, such as the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Jeepney Modernization Program. The law bans all 15-year old jeepneys and plans to replace them with newer, more environment-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles on the road.

Not surprisingly, the Jeepney Modernization Act has met a lot of resistance from jeepney drivers and owners alike. But we think it's just a matter of time before they get fully implemented in the Philippines. Change is coming, and jeepneys better be ready to accept the heavy blows that will come their way, especially from the following contenders that are vying for their throne:

COMET E-Jeep

City Optimized Managed Electric Transport, or COMET shares a bit of nostalgic similarity with our present day jeepneys: both were made by Americans.

Jeepneys, which are retrofitted American military jeeps customized for public transportation, have found its kindred spirit with the COMET e-jeep. It was created by U.S.-based company Pangea Motors, and was specifically designed to fit the needs of Metro Manila transportation.

The COMET can reach a speed of 60 kph, and its batteries are covered by a watertight casing. Its 220-volts lithium battery takes approximately five hours to fully charge.

Its features include a security camera, flat screen television, and even a WIFI connection. In case of floods, its air suspension technology can lift its body to more than 16 inches above ground. It also doesn't weigh as much as a standard jeepney, weighing in around 2,500 lbs lighter compared to the 6,000 lbs jeep.

Every COMET vehicle is linked to a Command Center that monitors the driver and the vehicle. They can use it to deploy or take out COMET vehicles to prevent clogging the streets.

Its estimated cost is around P400 to P500 per day in electricity. This is way cheaper compared to the P1,000 to P2,000 daily cost of diesel fuel (when using the same distance for both cars).

Isuzu's P.U.V. Prototype

Isuzu Philippines also showed its prototype jeepney at the SMX Convention Center just this year. The "modernized jeepney", which is more of a cross between a truck and a jeepney, promises better safety and emission standards on the road.

Isuzu's prototype is powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine and was built in collaboration with Centro Manufacturing Corp using an Isuzu NHR-55 platform. Its longer wheelbase allows its to seat 17-23 passengers, and the entrance and exit door is located on both sides of the vehicle -- not on the rear.

Isuzu Motors plans to launch this prototype jeepney by next year.

BEEP

The Bus-Jeep or BEEP, is actually an inspired version of the European Gruau Microbus. Its body is locally-designed and created by Almazora Motors, while the chassis is provided by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines.

The BEEP uses the Fuso Canter 4-wheeler truck chassis and also complies with current Euro emission standards. The car's interiors are roomier and easier to access, thanks to its high roof and low floors. Its shift knob, instrument control panels, and steering wheel are ergonomically placed on the dashboard. Moreover, ceiling-mounted air conditioner vents allow for a cooler and more pleasant experience inside the car.

BEEP's initial price runs at around P1.6 million. Many say that its price is almost double a brand new compact sedan, but BEEP's representatives say that its huge seating capacity will also increase its revenue potential in the long run. Vehicle bank financing is also available since it uses a new truck chassis.

LPG Jeepneys

LPG Jeepneys don't plan to change jeeps per se; they only plan to change one important part: the drive-train. Created by GoLPG, the company offers retrofitted jeepneys that house an LPG-fed engine inside. What's more, they can also change the car's entire chassis and body to accommodate the LPG engine.

Contrary to popular belief, LPGs aren't just used for cooking. LPG is a good alternative to fuel since it burns efficiently and is much cleaner and quieter compared to diesel. What's more, LPG gas is way cheaper compared to gasoline.

Former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla gives us the math:

“A simple mathematical computation can help clarify the logic of using LPG. The Tahoe, an 8-cylinder gasoline engine, can run up to 320 kilometers on a full tank of LPG, good enough for a trip to Baguio, on just less than P5 per kilometer. A full tank of 100-octane gasoline can cost P4,000 for the same trip to Baguio on the Tahoe. The choice becomes very clear.”

While it holds potential, converting to LPG will initially cost you more -- around P350,000 just for the LPG engine. And it will take around two weeks to install the engine and transmission package. If you want to get the "new look jeepney" using a new chassis and other components, then be prepared to pay a hefty P1 million, instead.

Another disadvantage here is the limited number of LPG stations available in the country. As of 2013, there are only 218 available LPG stations nationwide.

Sarao Prototype

Sarao has always been synonymous with jeepneys, having been in the jeepney manufacturing business since 1953. So when they introduced their modernized jeepney two years ago, what really shocked us was why it took them a long time to do it in the first place.

Dubbed as Prototype-1, the car uses a 4.2-liter six-cylinder diesel engine from Nissan Patrol. The 4-wheel drive allows passengers to stand up since its roof is around six feet tall.

The vehicle offers two options: Sarao's bench type seating version can seat 22 passengers (plus the standing ones), and looks a bit like the Sarao jeeps. Another version uses forward-facing seats that can occupy around 14 passengers (plus the standing ones).

So how much does it cost? Around 1 million, depending on the specifications used. The current prototype is still in progress, though, so it will take some time before you can see one on the road.