These Filipino icons of ingenuity were originally re-crafted from abandoned US army jeeps after the second world war, and helped to establish a new system of urban transportation. Jeepneys are being phased to help ease city congestion, but the move will also cause unemployment for experienced drivers – and higher fares for commuters. (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)





“Patok jeepneys” are equipped with high powered sound systems, attractive stickers and airbrush designs, high speed engines and good body design. (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)





33-year old chauffeur John Paul has driven a Patok jeepney for seven years. He shares the daily rides with a friend who helps by taking the fares. (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)





It used to be quite common to ride on the roof of a jeepney, as public transport in the countryside is very limited. Riding on top is now prohibited, but this passenger told us that hanging out of the back is just fine! (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)





A jeepney is cruising through Metro Manila. Whilst the city is developing fast, the jeepney is considered a dinosaur because of their old-fashioned looks and diesel engines. The “Kings of the Road” is the Pinoy's icon of ingenuity and had originally been carved from abandoned US army jeeps to eventually become the king of public transportation all over the Philippines. The upcoming phaseout in 2020 is believed to cause massive displacement or unemployment of drivers plus higher fares for the commuters. (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)





This jeepney is heading from Banaue town in Ifugao Province to the countryside (during rush hour). Although riding on the roof is prohibited, people still do it in areas where transport provision is poor. (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)





A jeepney waits for departure at Baguio (North Luzon). (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)





Although the government have announced a seven-year payment plan, plus a subsidy of 80,000 PHP so that drivers can change vehicles, drivers like John Paul are worried about the cost. John Paul’s daily pay is currently around 500 to 1000 PHP, while a new jeep would work out at around 600 PHP a day. (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)





Manila is developing fast, and the jeepney is considered a dinosaur because of its old-fashioned look and diesel engine. (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)





Hodel is one of the drivers for the PM jeepney company. Their vehicles run with diesel engines, but meet the new criteria. Before joining PM, he drove a classic jeepney. The company is currently expanding and hiring more skilled drivers. (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)





Roy Motors in Santa Cruz, Metro Manila. 56-year-old Nonoy has worked for the company for over a decade. He is currently painting an older vehicle for one of his customers. It’s hard to change jobs, he says – he simply wouldn’t know what to apply for if the phaseout happens. (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)





Markun says he likes to drive “fast and furious”. One of his passengers jokes “we all go to heaven”. He has driven a jeepney for 15 years. He hopes that the phasing out of jeepneys won’t happen that soon, as he loves his job. (Photo by Claudio Sieber/Barcroft Media)