Jeep driver 'runs' mini sari-sari store onboard while driving

With rising costs of living and heavy traffic topping their daily list of problems, some jeepney drivers in Metro Manila have come up with a unique way to earn extra income: Run a sari-sari store right inside their jeeps.

At least one jeep plying a route between Manila and Cavite in Southern Luzon offers passengers a choice of food items and drinks during the trip. The driver sells items ranging from snack packs to crackers and candies, hanging some of the products on a makeshift display board. Even soft drinks and energy drinks priced between P10 and P12 were available, according to a price list posted for passengers' reference. Some passengers said they would likely buy food if the trip was long, or if they got stuck in traffic and they got hungry. In past weeks, some public transport drivers had complained about the burden of higher costs of fuel and spare parts despite the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board's allowing them to charge P8 instead of P7 as minimum fare. They said the P1 increase in minimum fare is not enough for them to make ends meet. On the other hand, the Department of Trade and Industry recently noted world price increases in wheat have caused some bread and noodle manufacturers to raise the prices of their products. — LBG, GMA News