Last Updated on March 29, 2020 by OJ Maño
Your Malolos experience would not be complete without a quick ride on a ‘Karatig’ (Tagalog for a nearby place). The Malolos Karatig Jeepney is so-named inter-city public transportation that is commuter- and budget-friendly.
The Malolos Karatig jeepney is the smaller version of the jeepneys that ply the roads everywhere else in the Philippines. For the less familiar, the jeepney is a popular mode of transportation in the Philippines. It is a product of Filipino innovation on the surplus of vehicles left by the Americans after World War II. What it sacrifices for in size, it makes up for the ease in maneuverability around the city and speed of boarding and alighting of passengers.
A typical Malolos Karatig jeepney is about 3 meters long and can board 8-10 commuters at the back, plus two passengers in the front seat. More extended models can accommodate about 10-12. Its capacity varies according to the jeep’s length and size. It has enough headroom, seating width, and depth space for the average Pinoy height and weight. Taller folks and people on the heavy side are advised to take the passenger seat next to the driver, as it usually has more legroom. Otherwise, they will find riding the Karatig jeep uncomfortable due to its compact interiors.
Malolos Karatig Jeep Route
Back in the day, there were three roundtrip routes available: The Malolos Bayan to Malolos Capitol to Maunlad (Lugam) route; Malolos Bayan to Fausta to Malolos Capitol to Maunlad (Lugam) route; and lastly, the Malolos Bayan to Capitol View Park to Malolos Capitol to Maunlad (Lugam) route. Today, only the first two routes remain. The round trip spans less than 14 kilometers for both ways and requires just the minimum jeepney fare.
Commuter comfort and safety are taken lightly, but Maloleños love the Karatig. These “cute little jeepneys” have been plying the Malolos roads since the 1950s, according to my grandfather, who rode them frequently when he was still attending high school at the Immaculata Academy of Malolos (IAM), now Holy Spirit Academy of Malolos (HSAM).
The iconic Karatig jeepney may not be ergonomic nor fuel-efficient by our modern standards for transportation. Still, it’s a showcase of Filipino ingenuity coupled with its rich history and nostalgia, making this a standout trademark of the city.