‘Kuya, para daw po!’: The Passengers Role in a Jeepney Based on Their Seats

JEEPNEYS are the saviors of countless commuters in the Philippines, providing a means to reach their destinations.

However, the daily struggles with traffic, poorly maintained roads, and long waits for a ride have made traveling difficult for Filipinos.

Despite these challenges, offering a more convenient and efficient trip is a jeepney that can accommodate 16 to 20 passengers. This traditional public utility vehicle also provides a cheap and accessible mode of transportation.

In addition to the spacious interior and the driver who manages it, the passengers’ chosen seat can also play a role in ensuring a smooth journey.

Commuter’s preference

When boarding a jeepney, commuters tend to go toward specific seats that offer comfort, convenience, or familiarity.

Some may prefer to sit near the door for easy entrance and exit, while others may enjoy the breeze of sitting in the middle or beside the driver.

Angela Padua, 20, finds the comfort of seating at the end of a jeepney. However, when she is with her one-year old child and it gets crowded, she often sits in the middle.

She said that she doesn’t like going for a place behind the driver. “Kapag siksikan nakakairita, mas ramdam mo ‘yung sikip at init. Lalo na kapag may hawak kang bata na malikot, hindi siya komportable,” she added when ask concerning her dislike for this spot.

Avoiding the hassle of passing on fare is what influences college student Johanes Llemos, 22, to sit beside the driver. He complained that due to the congested jeep, he is having a hard time alighting. Meanwhile, when in the middle seat he jokingly said that he felt like a sandwich filling.

Jess Rey Daraway, 21, labels himself as the ‘passenger princess,’ as he sits beside the driver, enjoying the breeze of transportation.

“Pinaka-ayaw kong spot kapag sumasakay ako ng jeep ay ‘yung sa pinaka unahan, sa likod ng driver. Kapag nando’n ka tapos ang dami mong kasamang pasahero, hindi ka makakapagpokus sa selpon mo or sa sarili mo kasi panay abot ka ng bayad ng mga kasama mong pasahero,” he mentioned.

The chosen seat of a passenger reflects their priorities on their comfort level and themselves. However, it is also important to think of other passengers because commuting can be an unpleasant experience for everyone.

The roles of the seats

Anyone can have their own preferences, but each place comes with responsibilities. Students, workers, the elderly, and anyone else have a role to play in making the journey more efficient.

1. Beside the driver: This seat is usually well-liked because it can accommodate only two people, allowing less interaction and avoiding being squeezed by other passengers. People with motion sickness also prefer this seat.

The person sitting here should be able to assist the driver in navigating the road and alert them about possible obstacles on their side.

2. Behind the driver: This spot involves collecting fare and communication.

The person sitting here usually receives money from passengers and gives it to the driver. They also help give back the change and relay information about passengers’ destinations if the driver misses it.

3. Middle seat: This place provides the comfort of the air but also comes with responsibilities.

The person sitting here helps maintain the orderliness of the trip by adjusting their position and making room for newcomers. 

They ensure that the ride is not too cramped and help individuals sitting behind the driver pass fare or change quickly. They can also help bring heavy luggage or things forward to make the aisle accessible for everyone.

4. End seat: Passengers seated at the rear or near the jeepney’s entrance typically sit in this area to alight quickly.

However, they are also the one responsible for ensuring efficient entry and exit for other passengers. They assist children, elders, or PWDs to board and alight the jeep.

They may also help with communication, especially if the driver fails to see a passenger trying to enter the jeepney.

Who should sit here and there?

Aside from the designated role of the passengers in specific areas of a jeepney, they should also consider the needs of other commuters.

1. Elderly, pregnant women, and PWDs. These individuals should have access to easy entrance and exit. Thus, the most suited seat for them is at the end.

This arrangement will help minimize the need to move through narrow aisle and crowd, ensuring that they can dismount safely and quickly.

2. Anyone with children. Someone traveling with a child or children should choose to sit in the middle.

Children are also usually restless so this arrangement will ensure the child’s welfare during boarding and disembarking.

Additionally, it is not advisable to sit behind the driver because two or many people alighting a jeepney can be troublesome for some because of the narrow aisle.

3. Physically capable individuals. Students, workers, or any capable passengers should ideally take a seat farther from the entrance.

They are more likely to assist with front-end responsibilities such as handling the fares and changes and helping other passengers with their concerns.

Dear Passengers

When it comes to riding a jeepney, it’s easy to forget about these designated seating areas and roles, especially during rush hour.

Despite this, passengers should still be mindful of the roles that these areas possess so that they can still fulfill the responsibilities of these spots.

It is important for passengers to show compassion and respect for others, especially that public commuting can be a dehumanizing experience. By being considerate and promoting shared responsibility, stress and fatigue associated with public transportation can be reduced.

Remember, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey requires collaborative efforts from everyone.

Wishing you a safe and pleasant trip!

With reports from Ashly Mae Nabus