A few weeks ago me and my son AJ were riding the jeepney. When we got inside, there were just a few people. Slowly on the way to our destination pretty much almost all the seats were filled. But in between our destination a well dressed lady hopped in. She sat next to me. I kind of liked it because she’s totally clean, I could still see that she just showered, her hair still wet. (Talking about being observant, ha ha ha). Anyway, I really got interested with her because I liked her blouse. I was thinking that the style of it really fitting good with Jean. I was trying to see the name tag of the blouse. Ha ha ha. Easy to see since she’s sitting a little bit off the seat due to the little space left. Half of her bottom was sitting off the edge of the seat. I was really trying to give her space as much as I could but failed. Lots of us were bigger than the size they intended for the seat.
Just like a mile or so down the road, she was knocking on the jeepney roof alerting the driver that she wanted to get off. That jeepney that we’re riding doesn’t have a conductor. So the driver just rely on the honesty of the passengers. So when she got off, I was thinking I never saw her handing her fare to the driver. So on our way to our destination I was trying recalling if the lady paid her fare. I didn’t remember her handing her money to me to pass on to the driver. I would have seen it if she paid because I was next to her. So after we got off, I asked Aaron if she remembered the lady right across from him. He said yes. I asked him did he remember seeing the lady pay or even handing her fare to anybody. Aaron said nope. I guess my son was also observing the lady. Hey, who would not, she’s an attractive lady and maybe just a few years older than Aaron (I hope AJ won’t see my post, he would not like it what I said. 🙂 ). We really are positive that she didn’t pay. But too late to let the lady know.
It really got me thinking after that if the driver will get a lot of dishonest or forgetful passengers everyday, that would really cut way back on their income per day. P8 fare for a short ride, really the jeepney fare depends on the distance of your travel. What if that person travel from one end to the other end of the journey. Some fares here cost P25. Most of the jeepney don’t have conductor. That definitely cuts big time on their income.
I didn’t really think about it when my niece was telling me about it before. But when seeing it with my very own eyes, it’s almost like a mouth dropping thing. I remember a few months ago when hopping in the jeepney. As soon as I sat down the passengers and the conductor were talking about one of the passenger didn’t pay and she was asking for her change. The conductor gave the change thinking that the change goes to the person next to that lady. Well, that lady got off the jeepney after getting the money. Right before I hop-in the lady next to that lady that got off asked the conductor for her change. The conductor told her that I already gave you the change. Everybody then realized that the lady took the change from the conductor.
Honestly, maybe the lady forgot to pay her fare. Can you imagine if lots of passengers forget to pay the driver for the fare? I mean the driver really tried very hard to earn money for that day for his family. Most of them have several kids that go to school. I think that is something for everyone to think about now. Take out the change as soon as you get in the jeepney. If not feel like paying right away, hold on to the change until your destination and pay then. Some scams are going on right now too on the jeepney. My niece told me about it: That some passengers if you pass the money to them, they pretended then to the driver that it’s them that paid the fare. Most of those crooks sit at the back of the driver. Scam everywhere I guess.
Cheers!
I have friends like these especialy when m stl n college:)
Really Dako Og Ngipon? Wow, why not walk in going to school?
Thank you for stopping by!
Good article Feyma, I have seen this happen up here in Manila a few times. One thing I think you article title should be the other way around. Passengers Cheating Jeepney Drivers.
Hi Bill – Thank so much. It must be the trend now of the people. It just shows that other people can’t be trusted. Oh well, human nature. 🙂
*** Passengers Cheating Jeepney Drivers.*** — Good article title too.
Good to see you here again. Have a great day!
Hi Feyma – Nice picture of the jeepney. I love riding them. Last time I was there, I took random rides in a jeepney from anywhere to everywhere to experience the culture, so to speak, as I don’t get to visit the Philippines as often as I would have liked. I often ride shotgun, meaning I seat in front next to the driver, so that I can have a better view of everything. Inside, you’d have to crane your neck to see something interesting, like the freshly-bathed young lady who sat next to you. LOL Btw, were you able to read the tag on her blouse? Somehow, you remind me of myself. I love to people watch, especially in the Philippines. Riding shotgun, though has its downside, but I didn’t mind so much. The pleasure of the ride was well worth it. Upon getting off the jeepney in Sta. Mesa from Baclaran one night after a random ride, I wiped my face with a handkerchief. The handkerchief turned nearly black from all the soot and grime I caught sitting in front of the jeepney . LOL
Anyway, back to your story. My theory is that the young lady and the jeepney driver knew each other who each agreed beforehand that the fare is on the driver. This practice, though, sets a precedent and could produce unintended results if other passengers followed the lady’s example.
Hi John Reyes – Thank you. Yep, it’s nice to ride on the jeepney if it’s not so cramped with passengers. I’m not really into riding in the front sit. I don’t like that my legs will be rubbing against the hands of the jeepney driver, when he’s shifting gears. LOL… You know what I mean?
When riding jeepney, better bring along with you a handkerchief, so handy when some black smoke comes out from the other vehicle. Might be better to bring wipes too to wipe your face. I did see the tag of the lady’s shirt. Can’t read it, it was a Chinese letter thingy. 🙂
I also know what you mean when the driver gives freebies to the passenger. The other passengers know right away. The driver immediately acknowledges the passenger. Definitely not that passenger that I’m with. No eye contact from her to the driver. Just the regular passenger, only difference is she didn’t pay.
*** This practice, though, sets a precedent and could produce unintended results if other passengers followed the lady’s example.*** — Same thoughts.
Nice to see you here again. Have a wonderful day!
Hi Feyma – I was travelling one day about 6 months ago and an old lady about 70 got on the back of the petty cab. She travelled about 1 km in total. All of a sudden the Petty Cab driver asked where she had gone. As the Petty cab driver slowed at an intersection, she had jumped off and run without anyone noticing. I thought very sneaky for an old lady indeed. Another time a blind guy and his young daughter just got off and starting walking without paying. In the case of the blind guy, I said I would pay to the driver. I find though as a foreigner that maybe 10% to 15% of public transport people try to overcharge by more than a little. Even at Manjuyod the other week a guy charged for 2 adults and 2 kids 200php for a short trip. I told him I would report him if I was being well over charged. I told him this 3 times. He reassured me that was the right price. The locals at the resort reported him and a council worker returned 150php. Maybe the locals could short change drivers a bit, but the foreigners get charged more to make up for it. He he. I usually say now when I am being blatantly overcharged “dili kalimot sa dili gago ko dong” or other visayan responses. Standard fares are very basic though, so if they drop fares it would hurt their income.
I was in a taxi in Manila and the taxi driver told me that it was going to be 4000 pesos to get to makati, I told him to run the meter and I will pay what the meter said. He turned it off and said pay or get out and laughed you are in a bad area and will be robbed. I laughed at him as I got it all on video on my phone and told him lets shows this to the police, after that he kept driving and told me it was free, I gave him the 600 pesos that it normally costs and you could see the shame in his eyes
The taxi drivers in Manila can be quote tough at times.
Dirk,
You still paid too much. That taxi ride shouldn’t be more than 200p or so at the most.
Hi Dirk – I would agree that 600 php is a lot. I went from makati to the airport in slow traffic for 1 hour 45 minutes for about 350 php.
Brenton,
As a newbie to Jeepney fares and tricycle fares, it is good to know that they can be reported and questioned about over charging!!! I don’t know if I will ever use a Jeepney or tricycle to get around, but if I do, it’s good to know that I can record their information and question it later. 🙂 I have no problem paying for a fair fare, but not overcharged. In fact, those who are honest with me, always get additional purchases or services in the future.
I can hardly wait to get there!!! Not too much longer… it finally feels like it’s all down hill from here. 🙂
Scott,
Your bad back, and a jeepney are not going to be a match made in heaven, its going to feel more like a ride from the opposite of heaven I think.
Hi brenton – That really crack me up when you said about the old lady jumped out of the cab without you guys and the driver noticing it. I know I should not laugh about it because she didn’t pay, but I just could not imagined an elderly woman do that kind of thing. LOL
I think we are so forgiving with the people that have disability. Because I would do the same as you, I will pay for those blind people. Good for you though. Bless your heart. I’m glad you speak out for the overcharging drivers. They need to learn their lessons once in awhile. They have to be told so that they will not do it over and over.
Bob is good on riding the jeepney. He will usually get his proper change. I think the route that he goes to, the drivers know him now.
Thank you so much for sharing your story here. Highly appreciated. Have a great day!
That is less expected from an old lady. The driver was a bit baffled and trying to figure when she did the runner exactly. We had gone almost a block before the driver noticed and started asking questions. Very sneaky old lady.
That’s for sure brenton. It’s really unlikely done by an old lady.
Have a nice day!
Hi Feyma — Good Story! Often, when I’m home, I ask a cousin who owns and singlehandedly operates a jeepney to “go for a ride” to the provincial capitol. It’s his assigned route, so no problem with other drivers, etc. I would hire the entire jeepney for the whole roundtrip, paying him the equivalent fare of a full passenger load going both ways. I’d also tell him that if he has an opportunity to pick up additional paying customers along the way to do so (of course, out of view of other drivers). By the time we’d reach our destinations, the jeepney would always be full, and he’d have a good profit both ways.
It’s a great way to help the cousin’s family out (financially) without making it look like a handout and making him feel like he owes me something in return. 😀
Hi Paul – Thank you. That’s good thing you do for your cousin. You’re right he is not asking for money, and you are not giving him either. At least he works hard for the money that he gets from you plus a big tip of course. :-).
Have a good one Paul.
Hi Feyma,
It happens here in the US very often. This is happens when the police step in
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/23519136/septa-cop-struggles-with-alleged-fare-jumper
I hope it never gets like that in the Philippines
Hi Dirk – Hopefully not. Thank you so much for sharing the link.
Good to see you here again!
Some jeepney drivers charge me more fare because I,m American.The last one charged 32 pesos.The fare is normally 20 pesos.
HI John Pearson – A bit too much. Really honestly just the thought of over charging because of the color of your skin really is ridiculous. But that’s the typical practice here. Just complain to them though so that they would know and that you would not tolerate it.
Thank you for stopping by!
And yes! I noticed a few passengers getting off without paying.
Hi John – I have been lucky in that regard, only around two or three times the drivers have tried to overcharge me, and only like 1 or 2 pesos extra. But, I am firm, I either only pay with exact change (P8, the normal fare), or I won’t get off until I get my change. Tell them that you will call the LTFRB, that should get their attention!
Give exact change. That will solve the problem.
That too Norman.
Thank you for your comment!
I take a Jeepney almost daily here in Manila, and I have never paid more then P2 more then the fare should be, I don’t say anything if they do charge me the P2 more, I wonder all the time how they can make a decent daily wage on only P8.
I have to agree with Bill, on passengers cheating the Jeepney driver, i see that all the time.
Want to ask the group in Davao if anyone has noticed a trend amongst the young Jeepney drivers. I have noticed more often then none over the past year, some of the young Jeepney drivers are playing Rap music with the foul language, don’t get me wrong, i am no means a prude, I could cuss like a drunken sailor but a public transportation vehicle is no place for that trash, especially when there are women and young children on the vehicle. Next time I am near Cubao, will stop by the LTO headquarters and complain, Chances are will fall on deaf ears, but at least i did say something.
Hi Dave – You’re one of the lucky one I guess compared to others that were being over charge.
Yep, the younger driver played loud music and like you said the lyrics just not good to the ears of the children. But I think they can’t play loud music that much in the downtown area here in the city. The mayor don’t like it. Not sure if he still do, he will take the stereo out (rip it out) from the jeepney if music being played so loud while driving.
Good to see you here. Have a great day!
I am with you, Norman Sison. I always give exact change when I can.
cheaters are everywhere
Hi Michael Heavrin – Yep so true.
Hi Feyma …….I don’t ride the Jeeps very much but have not been asked for more than the regular fare when traveling with my wife in Davao. I have heard people talk about others not paying….so I think it is starting to become a problem? In fact I will give the driver 10 pesos instead of 8 sometimes when someone skips on them. Is it me or is dishonesty increasing? I have really had a lot of problems with Taxi drivers the last couple of times I traveled all over Asia this last year. But that is another story…..
Hi Dave C – Good that they did not charge you more than the regular fare.
Agree some taxi do overcharge or they will say they don’t have change. Frustrations, more common in the Philippines! 🙂
Have a good one!
Hi Feyma, I use jeepneys daily as a mode of transport to get around town (Bacolod City) I have seen an instance where a female passenger was ejected from the Jeepney, because the driver recognised her as a”runner” that had occurred on his jeepney a couple of days prior. It was her bad luck that she tried to scam the same driver and didn´t realise it until it was too late. When it comes to overcharging by Jeepney drivers, yes it has happened to me once when I was not given any change back from 20 pesos I let it go that time but when it occured again I immediately and politely asked for my change and the driver apologised…well, I would rather give him the benefit of the doubt but on the other hand I want to stand firm and not be cheated even if it´s just a couple of pesos. Another thing I noticed, the fare in Bacolod City is 7pesos 50 centavos (I wonder why) but the driver takes only 7 pesos if it´s just a single person paying but when 2 people are paying together it would be an even 15 pesos. I have seen some instances when a couple comes on together but then the wife pays 7 pesos and a short while after, her husband pays 7 pesos, trying to save one peso together????? The poor driver gets cheated out of quite a few pesos if many choose to do it that way…..he also has to pay the hustlers who gets passengers for him at the stops. I always pay 8 pesos, like I did when I was living in Manila, but I always try to have the exact change, to ease the temptation so to speak.
Mrs Feyma,
I have never seen anyone cheat the jeepney driver while I was riding it. A few weeks ago I did see a lady get her cell phone stolen from her while she was talking on it. The guy just reached in the Jeepney window and took it out of her hand while in Manila. I like riding jeepneys, but I can’t stand the pollution while riding one in Manila. I enjoy sitting in the front and handling the fairs going to the driver. Joseph Estrada banned buses from going to Manila from the provinces. So you have no choice but a jeepney or a taxi. In Hong Kong and Macau they charge you extra if you have luggage and after a certain time at night.
Hi PapaDuck – Not yet. LOL… Soon you will see. 🙂
That’s one thing in Manila or some other place in the country, you can’t take your cell phone out in the public. Good thing it’s not like that here in our area.
Always good to see you here. Have a pleasant day!
I love to ride Jeepney……………..
I guess coz I like to hang w/the people.
Hi Dan – Good for you. and good to see other people too.
Cheers!
Hello Feyma,
I enjoy the convenience of door step to door step of tricycles and jeepneys
when I visit Phil. Most places in US require cars outside cities. However
I always have a local companion in Phil. who knows fares.
I don’t ride jeepneys by myself when I am there on vacation as I have ” heard ” they can be a place for snatchers. When I do ride them I usually have friends that sit on each side of me. I give the fare to one of my friends well in advance of getting on the jeepney so I don’t have to dig around in my pockets while in the jeepney. This could make it appear to some that I get on and don’t pay the fare LOL . On one occasion I did hire a jeepney for a day for some local touring with friends and at the time it cost me the equivalent of about $35 for the entire day. At the end of the day I tipped the driver 500 peso. I could see the look of shock in my friends faces as I guess it was way more than might have been a normal tip. I later explained to my friends that if I hired a vehicle and driver here in the USA for that amount of time and gave a tip of the equivalent amount of money ( about $12 USD ) the driver could have very well thrown the money back at me, spit in my face and mumbled or shouted some not so nice comments at me. LOL . Maybe that is slightly exagerated depending on where in the USA I would be talking about. As I was sitting in the passenger seat in the front of the jeepney for the entire day of traveling I could see many times the tight spots the driver got us in and out of in city traffic. This was one time I was glad I did not attempt driving.
Hi Bob New York – Snatchers: not happening in Davao City. Maybe in some other part of the country. Php500 tip, that really is a jaw dropping tip to the Filipinos.
I’m surprise you don’t drive in Iligan. It’s just a small city. Bob drove all over GenSan and the neighboring town even before we live here. But like you just said too it’s cheaper to hire somebody here to drive for you. 🙂
Have a good weekend Bob!
Hi Feyma,
When I visit the Php we take whatever transportation is available. I’ve never seen someone skip on a fare but then that doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened in front of me, it’s hard to pay attention to everyone when I’m watching the sights. My G.F or her brothers handle the payment and they are very good at negotiating. We have had some interesting experiences on public transportation though, one time in Manila the driver wanted to go the long way because he said he had to stop at some particular CR, and my G.F. refused to ride if he went that route. He complained for the whole way, but didn’t want to lose the fare. That was an interesting ride… Another time in a Tricycle, the driver shot down Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City on the wrong side of the street. About half a block from our destination, a traffic enforcement officer stepped out and stopped us. By the way he watched us pay the driver, I suspect the driver didn’t make any money on that trip. In the province my Bayaw always takes us around on his Tricycle. And now for our visit this coming Feb. he’s worked out a deal so I’ll have a motorcycle to ride. I think it would be boring to be closed up in a car when traveling around the Php.
Interesting subject Feyma, it brings back some fun memories, Thanks
Hi Steve C – Yep, you have to just ride what’s available. Some areas here don’t have taxi. Gosh, Manila so traffic and polluted. I’m surprised the taxi driver just didn’t stop and go potty on the side of the road or the fence. Typical drivers here though do that. I’m sure you’ve seen them here. Not a good sight to see.
Good that your bayaw will have a motorcycle for you when you visit here again. Really some foreigners do enjoy driving motorcycle here. I’ve seen lots here in Davao. Some even had the fancy one like a Harley looking one.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing here. Have a pleasant day!
Hi Feyma,
Nice article! I haven’t seen anyone cheating anyone on a jeepney, but the ones I have ridden have been in Bohol and I think the drivers are familiar with most of the riders. What you were talking about is probably more common in a more urban area. You make a good point that the business is largely run on the honor system and if as I suspect people are becoming less honest the problem of riders skipping out without paying will get worse. I have never been asked to pay extra, but sometimes I think I could understand if I was because I probably take up as much room on the jeepney as two Filipinos. I think the fares are usually posted on the inside of the jeepney and I know they are regulated so you should not have to pay more unless you just want to be nice to the driver.
Hi Jay – That’s an exemption there. Yep, I think it’s more in the urban area. Will give good tip to the deserving driver too. Just like in our neighborhood the tricycle drivers really go out of their way to please us. So we give them extra money.
Some jeepney’s have sign but most don’t. The typical sign inside “Please pay exact change in the morning” in Tagalog of course.
Nice to see you here. Have a wonderful day!
Last time I was in Manila I really got ticked because me and my wife were on a jeepney as the only riders. I was carring a box with a cake, and the jeepney driver told my wife to pay an additional fare for the cake as a passenger! Saayy Whaaatt?
Just say no!
Hi JOe – I hope your wife didn’t pay for it. He is insane for asking you guys. Totally ridiculous. Wow.
Have a good weekend. Cheers!
Hello Feyma: In my last visit to the Philippines, we took jeepneys in Cebu and Cagayan without problems. We paid the exact fare so that we won’t have any problems. When taking taxis, I always leave a good tip. My older brother was horrified when he found out that I gave a 25 peso tip for a 75 peso fare. I just handed the driver a 100 peso bill and told them to keep the change. I’m still thinking in terms of American dollars, so a 25% tip doesn’t bother me.