Calculating the Route: Uncovering the Mathematical Strategies Employed by Buyagan-Baguio Route Jeepney Drivers

Manual fare calculation remains a core task for jeepney drivers, requiring practical strategies to handle passenger payments efficiently during transit. This study uncovers the mathematical strategies employed by jeepney drivers operating along the Buyagan–Baguio route in La Trinidad, Benguet, focusing on their fare calculation strategies, how these strategies were developed, and the challenges they encountered in fare calculation. Anchored in Situated Learning Theory and Dewey’s Experiential Learning Theory, this qualitative study employed a descriptive research design to explore the real-life application of mathematics in jeepney operations. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was employed to interpret the findings, shedding light on how practical mathematics is applied in real-life occupational settings. Findings revealed a variety of fare calculation strategies, including the partial sum strategy, repeated subtraction, rounding off, bill-sorting, and route-oriented approaches. These were developed through use of the fare matrix, participation in training seminars, apprenticeship, and peer learning. Drivers face several operational challenges in fare calculation, such as fare miscalculations, multitasking demands, coin confusion, and distance-based fare variability. The study provides insights into the practical use of mathematics in the transportation sector and emphasizes the importance of integrating contextualized, experience-based learning into educational curricula. It also proposes improvements to driver training programs and fare management systems to support more efficient and accurate fare handling.