At the Jan. 10, 2024 hearing of the House Committee on Transportation on the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), there were many comments from legislators and transportation officials favoring the iconic and colorful design of the traditional jeepney — what we see in travel magazines and what we associate with Filipino creativity and resourcefulness.

Philippine culture and history can provide inspiration for the 'look and feel' of future public transport vehicles, but the design process should give appropriate weight to criteria that are more important to users — comfort, safety, inclusivity and efficiency. Just as the PUVMP program needs a fundamental review and makeover, the design of the traditional jeepney requires a critical evaluation so that problematic features can be eliminated.