Welcome to Manila, the land of immense traffic and competitive transportation. First step inside the belly of the beast is to understand the means of transportation in Manila:
Jeepneys & FXs
Jeepneys are the unofficial national transportation of the Philippines. Sarao Jeepneys are highly decorated with religious influences. They are also open. They cover almost every public route in Manila. PUJs or Public Utility Jeepneys are not allowed on major roads like EDSA, SLEX or NLEX unless given a special permit. Fares start at 7php.
An aircon-ed version of Jeepneys. They usually have the same travel route, but can hold less people. Fares start at 15php.
Image via Out Of Town Blog
Image via lakbai.com
Bus, P2P buses & UV Express
Buses tackle the bigger roads of Manila. They have long routes from point A to point B. Some routes go from north to south and vice versa. Take note of what bus you're riding (A, B, C). They stop at different points during the route.
Premium Point To Point buses are very new. These are non-stop buses which do not cover the entire route, but points A and B only. This was released by the government because of the high congestion in the two points. The purpose is to diminish a fraction of traffic. It is also a more comfortable and a faster way of commuting.
MRT/LRT
The MRT of the Metro Rail Transit that goes through EDSA from Taft to North Edsa stations. The LRT goes through a different line but intersects the MRT.
**For more information on routes and fares, go [here] (https://dotcmrt3.gov.ph).**
Trikes & Habal-habal
Trikes or tricycles are the smallest forms of transport in Manila. They are usually taken inside villages or where Jeepneys and other transportation cannot pass through. Fares vary from points A to B. Habal-habals on the other hand is motorcycle-hitching. This is usually not regulated by the government.
1. Pamaypay
The Philippines is a tropical country and a very humid one. You need a pamaypay or hand fan while you're waiting on queue and basically every other idle moment in transit.
2. Handkerchief
In support of #1, handkerchiefs are a must for your sweat-trickling adventure. Most public transports do not have aircon.
3. Beep card
Finally! A 1st world solution to the impending line in the MRT/LRT and P2P buses (coming soon). Just like other countries, you load your beep card at the kiosks and use it to ride the train. It's awesome!
**For more information about the beep card, go [here] (http://www.beeptopay.com).**
Image via Abante Online
Image via GMA News
4. MMDA app
This app has proved so much worth and has helped numerous commuters and drivers, it deserves an award! This is a must if you live in the Philippines. MMDA is a government app that will give you live updates about the traffic in the major routes in Manila.
It's also handy because they show floods, accidents and other hazards on the road. A tip is to check MMDA app before leaving your house to see the possible traffic you are about to battle. This will help you decide what is the best route to take even when commuting. So, let's say EDSA is really bad. You don't want to take the bus, but you could take the MRT instead.
5. Sakay.ph
Image via GMA network
Sakay.ph is a website that helps you commute. You just need to key in your 2 points and it will give you suggestions on how to get there.
6. Small bag to carry valuables
A small crossbody bag is best for your valuables. Keep it in front of you at all times.
7. Pepperspray
Manila isn't the safest city, to be honest. Actually, you have to take extra precaution. Peppersprays are very effective, easy to carry and affordable. Better get yourself one especially for the ladies.
