At the recently concluded Philippine Travel Mart Expo held in SMX Convention Center (MOA), the double-decker jeepney caught the attention of the potential travelers who attended the event.

Who can resist riding this new mode of transportation which is air-conditioned and with videoke aboard?  

The new innovation was made possible by Jeepney Company Inc., a firm that provides tourists and a tour around Metro Manila aboard air-conditioned jeepneys since 2005.

The two-deck jeepney is 40-seater and has been the highlight of the exposition which was organized by the Philippine Tour Operators’ Association.  

Unlike the common jeepney, the double-decker has enough space so passengers can get aboard or off easily. It also has two doors on both sides and two stairs going to the second deck.

“We are capitalizing on our cultural icon,” said Clang Garcia, managing director of Jeepney Company, one of the 245 exhibitors at the Philippine Travel Mart that ended last Sunday, September 7, 2014.

The aim of the double-decker is to serve a bigger marker after the success of its expeditions to some of the well-known tourist attractions in Metro Manila.

She added: “It was difficult at first while we were starting. They thought I was going crazy. But our aim was to bring back the pride in our jeepneys. “People look down on them. We want to change that.”

Jeepneys in the Philippines are considered as the “King of the Road” as they are famous to hustle through the busy roads of Metro Manila and in the other parts of the country.