multicab

{{Short description|Small light truck used as public transport in the Philippines}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}

{{Use Philippine English|date=December 2022}}

A multicab is a small light truck in the Philippines that is usually used as public transport. Like jeepneys, they usually have fixed routes, although there are multicabs that serve as taxicabs to take passengers where they want, as a motorized tricycle might.{{cite news|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/82684/news/regions/businessworld-multicab-dubbed-poor-man-s-taxi-launched|title=BusinessWorld: Multicab dubbed 'poor man's taxi' launched|date=February 28, 2008|access-date=January 7, 2016|newspaper=GMA News|first=Sarwell|last=Meniano}} Aside from being a mode of mass transportation, it can also be customized for other purposes such as a pickup truck or a private van.{{cite web|url=http://www.everythingcebu.com/transportation/jeepney/multi-cabs-in-cebu/|title=The Multi-Cabs in Cebu|website=everythingcebu.com|access-date=January 7, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Multicabs can be found throughout the Philippines. It can be found in urban areas such as Metro Manila,{{cite news|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/533483/news/metro/multicab-crashes-into-and-kills-cyclist-injures-daughter|title=Multicab crashes into and kills cyclist, injures daughter|date=August 19, 2015|access-date=January 7, 2016|newspaper=GMA News}} Metro Cebu,{{cite web|url=http://www.cebucity.gov.ph/avail-apply-inquire/public-services?start=3|title=Public Services - How to Request for Bus and Multicab |publisher=Local Government of Cebu City|date=March 24, 2011|access-date=January 7, 2016}} and Metro Davao.{{cite news|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/lifestyle/2015/12/26/davao-eagle-volunteer-gives-gifts-its-5th-year-448796|title=Davao Eagle Volunteer gives gifts on its 5th year|date=December 26, 2015|access-date=January 7, 2016|newspaper=Sun Star Davao|first=Stella|last=Estremera}}{{cite news|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/517650/lifestyle/travel/davao-city-s-best-from-the-mountains-to-the-seas|title=Davao City’s best, from the mountains to the seas|date=July 7, 2015|access-date=January 7, 2016|publisher=GMA News|first=Stanley Baldwin|last=See}}{{cite web|url=http://www.adb.org/news/1-million-adb-project-launched-support-davaos-sustainable-transport|title=$1 Million ADB Project Launched to Support Davao's Sustainable Transport|date=February 28, 2013|access-date=January 7, 2016|website=adb.org|publisher=Asian Development Bank}} A multicab is lightweight, narrow and small and can navigate through narrow streets. With seating capacity of around 11 to 13,{{cite web|url=http://abuyogleyte.gov.ph/about-abuyog/abuyog-transportation/|title=Abuyog Transportation |publisher=Municipality of Abugyog, Leyte|access-date=January 7, 2016}} the passenger space also tends to be cramped relative to a van. There are also multicabs that have a seating capacity less than 11.{{cite news|last=Ayuman|first=Ramil|url=http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/386307/rdak-wins-bidding-cuencos-20-multicab-project-p399m|title=RDAK wins bidding of Cuenco's 20 Multicab project at P3.99M|newspaper=The Philippine Star|date=February 22, 2007|access-date=January 7, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4881:multicab-420150300236&catid=95:bids&Itemid=120 |title=Supply and Delivery of Four Wheel-Drive Multi-cab - INVITATION TO BID|publisher=PHILVOCS, DOST|date=August 7, 2015|access-date=January 7, 2016}} Small multicabs typically have three-cylinder engines.{{cite news|last=Comanda|first=Zaldy|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/jeepito-unveiled-in-baguio/|title='Jeepito,' unveiled in Baguio|newspaper=Manila Bulletin|date=December 28, 2015|access-date=January 7, 2016}} In Tacloban, there are plans to convert the multicab engines into rechargeable batteries for sustainable energy.{{cite web|url=http://www.ejeepney.org/coming-soon-solar-powered-ejeepneys-in-tacloban/|title=COMING SOON: SOLAR-POWERED EJEEPNEYS IN TACLOBAN|date=May 20, 2014|access-date=January 7, 2016|website=ejeepney.org|publisher=Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities}}

A multicab is about as comfortable as a jeepney, and usually has a cleaner and less noisy engine.{{cite web|url=http://www.silent-gardens.com/jeepney.php|title=Multicab - how to|website=Silent Gardens|access-date=January 7, 2016}} A group travelling by multicab may hire a multicab for a day (e.g., for family use) and pay the daily fee, while optionally buying food and drink for the driver. A multicab is typically assembled in a factory in the Philippines with surplus parts from Japan and South Korea, in contrast to jeepneys, which are usually hand-made. Popular makes are Suzuki models such as the Suzuki Carry, or more its rugged cousin, the Autozam/Mazda Scrum (locally known as "Suzuki" Scrum, due to interchangeability of parts between these two vehicles). Multicab models sometimes also using Daihatsu Hijet and Mitsubishi Minicab.

File:Suzuki Carry Miniryder multicab (PH).jpg|A Suzuki Carry multicab

File:Mitsubishi_L300_FB_Exceed_at_Cabanatuan_City.jpg|A Mitsubishi L300 multicab

File:Multicabs in Downtown Tacloban.JPG|Multicabs plying in Downtown Tacloban, Leyte