The Jeepney Drivers and their Lived Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study in the Philippines

The majority of Filipinos rely on jeepneys or "Kings of the Road" as a transportation mode of Filipino daily lives. Public transportation provides mobility and access to employment, community resources, medical care, and recreational opportunities in communities across the Philippines. It benefits both of those people who have a vehicle and commuters because of the cheapest fare. Jeepneys show importance as a mode of transportation and an icon in Filipino cultures. The main objective of the study is to describe the lived experiences, challenges faced, and coping mechanisms of the Jeepney drivers during the pandemic. Moreover, the implications of the study were discussed, and recommendations were suggested.