Jeepney adventure

Hi, use the jeepneys in Davao

It was on a Friday night, somewhere downtown area, when the car did not want to start and it began to rain hard. We did not know what happened car why he let us down, but at the end we decided to call our daughter to inform her. We were really happy when she drove up with her boyfriend... rescue was near! And besides, since it was still  raining, it was agreed that they would take care of the car the following day.

On Saturday  the auto mechanic explained that he could only repair the car in his shop. So the car was towed. On the following Monday, the mechanic explained that the repair would be a bigger matter and that it would take him probably a week or 10 days to fix it.

 So what to do? Should we constantly take a taxi? Oh no, we thought. What a costly hustle! In the stop-and-go-traffic in Davao, it would cost a lot of pesos. So we decided something new: Do it like the locals! Lets ride the jeepneys!

 Driving with the jeepneys is really cheap: per person and route, it costs a maximum of 12 pesos. If it does not rain, driving is very airy and beautiful and  you are sitting close-to-close with the other passengers, like in a crowded Balikbayan box.

 The problem I encountered is my height. "Woah, dako kay siya!" meaning "Woah, he  is so tall!", I would hear the Filipinos 'complimenting' me, when we enter the jeepney. And because of my long legs I occupy more space than the Filipinos. The driver  does not like us much, because he does not come to the maximum passenger amount that can be up to 10-15 passengers.

 My personal problem is the design of the jeepneys: These cars are built for smaller people! It is my head  that is always to near to the metal roof. And there are times that in the roof space is a crossbar, a triangular iron, which makes riding the jeepney a bit more risky for me. I've gotten enough injuries in the meantime. Since some time I wear a hat in order to "reduce" the painful collisions with the vehicle's roof. The only good way out of the debacle is that I have sometimes the chance to get a front seat beside the driver. In front, I have enough space for head and feet - and the view over the Davao traffic is fantastic. Yet, I have to say that this place is quite popular! Getting the highly sought-after seat is like playing in the lottery, it is all about luck! So, my dear follow-giants: when in Davao, ride like a Dabawenyo - but, take the front seat!

 With best regards,

Ludwig from Davao

The traffic problem in Davao can be solved

A light rail transit system for Davao to start in 2020

November  7, 2014

It is tackled again: The light rail transit (LRT) project for Davao. All people from Davao will be happy if this LRT will finally be established.

Although, if you think realistically about the project, there are a lot of difficulties - the financing is the lesser “evil”. The biggest problem is the narrowness of the streets and the uphill as the infrastructure has not been developed well. While in Manila, as the main capital of the country, has installed the light rails along and above the road, which works well – regardless the traffic and density problem.

Having installed the rail tracks above the main roads is the most expensive option, but probably the only one that is feasible. The Korean company, which will produce a study will probably need up to 12 months. Since next year is an election year, the discussion and implementation of the project will probably start in 2016.

According to the plan, there will be two city tracks, which should work independently from each other. So people can move better and faster to the different city districts. The declared aim is to remove the many tricycles and jeepneys from the main traffic flow that clog the streets mercilessly in the rush hours.

This is indeed a prestigious project of mayor Duterte – and very promising to the future of Davao City. Also for the next mayor of Davao, he probably meant his daughter Sarah (who is also the previous mayor), the project is of great importance. The Korean company says that - in a time span of about 7 years – the investors will have achieved the breakeven point.

 For us the users of the new light rail who have the advantage of better transportation, must be aware of the fact that  the cheap prices of jeepneys and tricycle will be gone... Yes, all good things  do not come in cheap – but surely expensive!

With best regards

Ludwig from Davao

really dangerous

Why this dangerous overloading ?
Jan 11, 2014

When you're  traveling in Davao, especially on Saturday morning when the local farmers bring their goods to market, you can see "horrible dangerous things" on the street. Just like this jeepney, which is crammed over the roof with melons and bananas and more. And  this vehicle is still driving and the driver is laughing. And “no eye of the law”  is looking for this incredible overloading.

And you can only hope and pray that the brakes are still in good condition ....

Best regards,
Ludwig from Davao