BEEP, BEEP, BEEP: The Jitney Driver's Soul

“BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP…”: The Jitney Driver's Soul

  

   The “jitney” or “jeepney” is one of, if not the most utilized, mode of land transportation in the Philippines. It is characteristic of the Filipinos’ talent with artistry, inventiveness, and originality. This statement, as commending as it shall appear; only goes so far as to speak of the vehicle’s physical appearance: with the impressive craftsmanship of its body works; the eye-catching paint job and images ensuing from its owners’ or designers’ creatively colorful minds and, occasionally, a few additional gadgetry installed which may add to its ‘extraordinary’ countenance-if not create one for it.

    But as with everything that is inanimate: lifeless and dependent on something that HAS a soul, the ‘jitney” does need its own ‘brain’ to have a worth. Because, in spite of its beautiful façade; it is nothing like a fictional black Trans Am which can function devoid of its driver’s presence. And THE DRIVER is the heart and soul of the said passenger vehicle.

    Unlike a car battery which provides the power for the jitney’s mechanism to inspire propulsion; the driver is not dull or devoid of color. The former, as long as it has some electrical charge to contribute, will perform its ‘share of duty’ for the benefit of the whole. The latter, however; with a soul; with emotions and, occasionally (or eventually), ‘mood swings’ is a completely different matter.

    What is the reason for such?

    The tolerable answer would be “humanity”.

    Was there ever a driver of this said vehicle belonging to the middle or upper echelons of society? No. These individuals are found in plebeian or impoverished areas; living day by day with impecunious lifestyles as well as the common problems that come with it. Their struggles to continue providing for their families and keep their pride from being demeaned by society; all these personal tribulation coupled with the fact that there are myriads of others who share their plight and; eventually, who become rivals in the occupation of being a jitney driver; the constant dramatic changes to oil prices and the incessant alterations of traffic laws by the government offices which certain persons in authority tend to take advantage of, to the loss of the persistent driver.

    Other than the very individual’s personal faults; the above-mentioned are ‘additives’ which inspire public utility vehicle-‘navigators’ to “create” their own distiguishable reputation as motorists:

    -Stop in the middle of the street to let passengers get on or get off; thereby hindering traffic flow.

    -Disregard cyclists or pedestrians traversing the side of the road as they suddenly swerve toward awaiting passengers; disregarding the possibility of hitting any person in the process.

    -Over-speeding in people-infested thoroughfare.

    -Not pulling to a complete stop to allow passengers safe debarkation.

    -Temperamental when change for payments are requested by passengers.

    These are only some of the unpleasant realities concerning a great number of jitney drivers in the Philippines. Even if these traits are part of the imperfections of humanity; these persons must realize the necessity for them to enhance their qualities and that their plight should not be taken where it has no reason to be: the streets and roadways. Yet, in fairness to the devoted jitney drivers: husbands, fathers, and such; some of their faults and contemptuous shortcomings are the consequences of the very environment they encounter; or are ‘nationally’ part of.