The jeepney: from war surplus to national icon
Born from the wreckage of the Second World War, the jeepney became the Philippines' best-loved ride and a rolling work of art.
Quick answer
- Origin: US military jeeps left after the Second World War, lengthened to carry passengers.
- The name: often said to combine 'jeep' and 'jitney', an old word for a cheap shared ride.
- The makers: Sarao Motors and Francisco Motors, both in Las Piñas, became the best-known builders.
- The nickname: 'King of the Road' (Hari ng Daan).
- Today: a modernisation programme since 2017 is replacing old jeepneys with newer vehicles.
No vehicle says “Philippines” like the jeepney. Long, loud and covered in chrome and paint, it carries millions of passengers every day. Its story begins with a war.
Born from war
Before the Second World War, Manila had small passenger cars called auto calesas, but most were destroyed in the fighting. When American forces left after the war, they sold or gave away hundreds of surplus US Army jeeps. Filipinos lengthened them, added two long benches in the back and a roof, and put them to work as shared taxis.
The name is often said to combine “jeep” with “jitney”, an American word for a cheap shared ride.
The King of the Road
Family workshops soon began building jeepneys from scratch. Sarao Motors, founded by Leonardo Sarao in Las Piñas, became the best-known, famous for the chrome horses on its hoods. Francisco Motors was another major maker. A Sarao jeepney was shown at the 1964 New York World’s Fair as a symbol of the Philippines.
The jeepney earned the nickname “Hari ng Daan”, the King of the Road.
A rolling work of art
Every jeepney is personal. Owners add bright paint, murals, chrome trim, mirrors, horns and slogans: family names, religious images, favourite films and jokes. Designs vary by region. In Iloilo, for example, many jeepneys have a lower, car-like front.
Change on the road
In 2017, the government launched a public utility vehicle modernisation programme to replace old, polluting jeepneys with newer, safer vehicles, many of them air-conditioned and some electric. The programme has been controversial: many drivers and small operators say they cannot afford new units, and transport groups have staged strikes. Traditional jeepneys still run on many routes, but their numbers are falling.
Ride one
The best way to understand the jeepney is to take one. See our guide to riding a jeepney.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Why are jeepneys so colourful?
Owners decorate them with paint, chrome, horses on the hood, slogans, family names and religious images, turning each one into a personal statement and advertisement.
What were jeepneys made from?
The first ones were converted from surplus US Army jeeps after the Second World War. Later, builders like Sarao made new bodies in the same style.
What is the jeepney modernisation programme?
A government programme launched in 2017 to replace old, polluting jeepneys with newer vehicles and to consolidate operators. It has been controversial with many drivers and operators because of the cost.
Are traditional jeepneys disappearing?
Their numbers are falling as modern units replace them, but traditional jeepneys still run on many routes, especially outside Metro Manila.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
