Jeepney Ridership Plummets by Half as Fuel Costs Cripple Public Transport
If you have ridden a jeepney recently, you may have noticed significantly fewer passengers. This observation reflects a stark reality: 40-50% of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) have ceased operations because drivers have stopped offering rides due to the exorbitant cost of fuel. The primary culprit is the soaring price of diesel, which powers most of these vehicles.
Recent Fuel Rollbacks Offer Limited Relief
In the latest price adjustments, many oil companies have set diesel prices below P100 per liter after rollbacks. This slight decrease might encourage some drivers who remained in urban areas, rather than returning to their home provinces, to resume operations. However, a critical question remains: even with these reductions, diesel prices are still historically high. When will petroleum products return to their usual, more affordable levels?
Electric Vehicles and Bicycles Gain Momentum as Alternatives
Amid this ongoing crisis, electric vehicles are being promoted as an alternative for both private and public transportation. Yet, there is a simpler, more accessible solution: using bicycles for commuting to work. With a bicycle, you no longer need to endure long waits for rides or worry about charging, as your own physical energy fuels it. Whether there is electricity or not, a bicycle moves forward with each pedal stroke. The only drawbacks are occasional flat tires or broken chains, which are minor compared to the benefits.
Private Sector Initiatives Pave the Way for Bicycle Adoption
Advocacy efforts have seen success, such as lobbying malls to install bike racks. Today, major malls like SM and Ayala have implemented these facilities, providing safe, sheltered parking areas for bicycles alongside motorcycles. However, this initiative is still insufficient. If private companies can heed the call to support bikers, why cannot the government fulfill a basic request: protected, exclusive bike lanes?
The Urgent Need for Government-Supported Bike Lanes
This is the key to encouraging more people to cycle. Fear of riding on roads diminishes when cyclists are shielded from other vehicles. Now is the opportune time for the government to consider implementing exclusive bike lanes. It has been proven that such protected lanes incentivize and attract people to cycling. By choosing bicycles, individuals avoid being held hostage by expensive fares, rising electricity costs, and can even improve their health.
With daily cycling, you prepare your body against illnesses, save on transportation and energy expenses, and strengthen your overall well-being. These are the profound benefits brought by the simple, humble bicycle.
