MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Despite complaints from some operators and drivers, the Philippine government’s jeepney modernization program has received some positive feedback from Filipino commuters.

The commuters like the cleaner, more spacious and air-conditioned features of the new mini bus-like modern jeepneys. They also say air pollution is greatly reduced with these new vehicles.

Taking her cue from the program, Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, has filed a bill to institute a taxi and tricycle modernization program, with the same intent of phasing out dilapidated, non road-worthy public vehicles.

In her bill, Poe proposed that:

1. 1. Tricycles be modernized to look like mini cars instead of motorcycles with side cars. They will come complete with steel enclosures, electric fans and stop and signal lights.
2. 2. Only Toyota Innovas will be licensed as taxi cabs, similar to those plying routes in Baguio City.
3. 3. To make the tricycles and taxi cabs more easy to spot, they will be painted yellow. (Poe emphasized it had nothing to do with the Dilawan.)

Poe’s bill has the support of a super majority of the members of the Senate.