What is a jitney?

A jitney is a small, shared-taxi vehicle, operated by a privately-owned independent transportation company. It is typically a van or a minibus that operates on fixed routes and charges fares that are lower than those of traditional taxis or public transit. The word "jitney" is believed to have originated in the early 1900s in America and was used to refer to an unauthorized and unlicensed vehicle that was used for transportation services. Jitneys are common in many countries, especially in developing economies, where public transportation infrastructure may be poor. They are often used by commuters, students, and people who need to travel short distances.