In Manila, that is. Not to sound like a complete diva or anything, but commuting in Manila is a horrible, horrible experience that should be used as a torture device by the PNP.
The thing is, I usually don’t mind commuting in other countries (except if the conditions are similar to Manila’s, like Bangkok or Jakarta) because it’s practical. It saves money, and it’s a good exercise. But hopping on an MRT during rush hour? Forget it.
Our family driver is Muslim, so he asked to have the day off today in order to prepare for the end of Ramadan tomorrow. As taking a cab is inefficient and expensive during rush hour, I got on a jeep (for the first time in uh.. a really long time) and took the MRT—and immediately remembered why commuting in Manila is such a pain. Here’s why:
1. Jeepney barkers and drivers have no concept of space
“Dalawa pa, kaliwa’t kanan!” Even when a jeep is filled beyond capacity, barkers and drivers insist on packing more passengers in, which leads to some awkward moments with other passengers. Should you wedge your butt in a four-inch space? Should you back out of the jeep and wait for the next one, or will your fellow passengers hate you for delaying the jeep’s departure?
2. People become evil versions of themselves
Everyone wants to go home as soon as they can, so they understandably fling themselves into the open MRT doors. But when they can’t get in, that’s when the trouble starts. People shove, shout, pick fights… it’s not a pretty picture. Earlier, when the train stopped at the Boni station, a couple of loudmouthed women tried to shove their way into the train. But they were hefty, and the area near the door was already packed. So one of them started accusing us of not wanting to cooperate, saying that we were content to stand in the air-conditioned trains and not do anything to accommodate her. As the doors closed slowly in her face, she started banging violently on them. She was scary.
3. Polluted air is vile
Stepping out in the city’s polluted streets is like dipping your lungs in pure carbon monoxide. And don’t forget the fetid water sloshing out of canals.
I really wish Manila were more commuter-friendly. Overhauling our transport system could do so much for progress, but noooo, our hard-earned money often goes to waste. It makes me wish I lived in a different country sometimes (like Germany!), and this is definitely one of those days.
I take the LRT1 AND LRT2 to work and it is pure hell. I do hope the present administration will improve the trains. Ako naman I long for Japan’s trains, though when I went there, I fortunately did not experience the rush hour madness. But I miss the efficiency and knowing the exact times of the trains’ arrival and departure.
Me too! I miss Berlin’s super efficient transport system. It does so much for getting a system in order
I agree! When I went to Singapore this year, I so enjoyed commuting — everything was so convenient and you could even wear a gown on the train without having to worry about being pushed or shoved aside (we had to wear our gowns already because we had a concert somewhere there — riding a cab was too expensive); aside from that, they couldn’t care less if you were wearing something more than the usual.
I don’t know why we can’t have that here — do we Filipinos lack discipline and ethics? Or we’re just too lazy to practice them?
It’s odd, because Filipinos can behave in other countries. But when they’re here, all discipline flies out the window. I cited Berlin lang because they don’t even have turnstiles for their trains–they rely on the honesty system (and the occasional inspection). It’s so frustrating to be here sometimes.