Filipinos usually take jeepneys, buses, tricycles, and “carretelas” as transportation. Only a privileged few own cars. Here are some guidelines in taking public transport:

Filipinos usually take jeepneys, buses, tricycles, and “carretelas” as transportation. Only a privileged few own cars. Here are some guidelines in taking public transport:

1. The most common public transport is the jeepney. It runs on a definite route and fare varies depending on the distance of the route being travelled by the vehicle. In some areas of the country, minimum jeepney fare at the moment is around 7 or 8 pesos. In Metro Manila, the fare depends on the distance travelled. The average jeepney could seat 16 persons comfortably (8 on each side) but some drivers would try to squeeze in as many passengers as they can. Some men who are in a hurry would settle in holding on to a handle bar and standing at the rear of the vehicle and some even ride on the top. Some children are allowed to ride for free if they would opt to sit on the lap of their adult companion. In some areas, there are designated jeepney terminals where drivers can park and wait until the jeepney is full before starting the journey. It could be a bit hot waiting as jeepneys are not air-conditioned but once it starts to move it gets comfortable due to the blowing breeze. Most jeepneys also have loud stereos.

***really loaded jeepney

There is usually no conductor in a jeepney so passengers pay the driver directly. If a passenger is seated at the farthest end of the vehicle, the fare is passed on through the other passengers till it gets to the driver. People consider loud conversations and boisterous noise as rude and discourteous when on a jeep. Proper manner dictates people to talk in hushed tones if not to remain quiet.

***Philippine Jeepneys

When a passenger gets to his destination and wants to alight he shouts aloud for the driver to hear the word “Para!”(stop) especially if there is loud music inside the vehicle. Some guys who are standing at the rear of the jeep alight even when the vehicle is still in motion. The same is not condoned by the drivers and authorities as it is very dangerous.

2. Public buses could get very crowded especially during peak hours, that is between 6:30 to 8:30 am and 5:00 to 7:00 in the evening. These days, women take bus rides even if they have to stand in order to avoid tardiness at work/school. A few gentlemen still offer their seats to women who in turn thank them for their gallantry. The buses also run in a designated route just like the jeepney but usually have conductors who collect fares and issues tickets.

3. The tricycle is a sidecar attached to a motorbike and travels only on short distances. They are like taxis that can drop you off to the exact location you want to go, like right in front of your doorstep. It can seat at least 3 persons but some drivers would try to squeeze in as much as 6 persons with 2 seated at the back of the driver. Fare depends on the distance of the journey travelled.

4. ”Calesas” or “carretelas” is the Filipino version of horse-drawn carriages. They can be found only in certain parts of the country. It is not allowed to travel the main streets because it could disrupt traffic and might be dangerous for the passengers due to unpredictability of the horses. One is advised to take this mode of transport only when they are not in a hurry or for leisure purposes only.

5. You can find taxis in big towns and cities all over the country. Each taxi is equipped with a meter which the driver turns on as soon as the trip starts. There is a mandated flag down rate on taxis depending on the area where they operate. There are taxis however that do not have taxi meter and operates on a fixed amount basis depending on the passenger destination. An example would be airport taxis. These taxis are regulated by law and they have specific charging rates. If one is not sure as to how much they should pay, it is better to ask a nearby information desk, if not, a policeman so not to get overcharged.

It is always best to know the route you are going and must be able to guide the driver to avoid big expenses and unnecessary trip distances. Some unscrupulous taxi drivers abuse their passengers by taking long, round-about trips if they feel that their passengers do not exactly know how to get to their destination. This happens mostly to foreigners and Filipinos who come to Manila from the provinces.

Taxis usually have radios that taxi drivers listen to. Funny enough, if a passenger accidentally leaves something in a taxi, the best way to recover the item would be to report the loss in the nearest if not most popular radio station who in turn will broadcast the service. Some of the drivers will be willing and honest enough to return the lost belongings if the owner gives his address to the radio announcer or to the radio station.

If a passenger encounters a problem with a taxi driver, he or she should take down the name and number of the taxi and report it to the nearest police station or in case of tourists, the Ministry of Tourism.

6. There is also the efficient Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) which covers most of Metro Manila. These train service is undergoing upgrading and is the most convenient way to travel if one wants to avoid the grueling traffic of the metropolis. Tickets can be bought on the booths in the train stations.

Driving in the Philippines

When driving in city streets and highways in the Philippines, one must always exercise caution to avoid getting into accidents. Here are some helpful guidelines:

1. Driver’s licenses are obtainable for a fee from the office of the Philippine Land Transportation Office. The same is required for all drivers and is renewable every 3 years. Land Transportation Offices are also found in provinces all over the country.

2. In the Philippines all drivers always drive on the right lane of the road.

3. A driver is always advisable for drivers to maintain a safe following distance and speed from the vehicles in front of them. This is because in areas where jeepneys operate, it is not unusual to see drivers stop abruptly within the lane to load or unload passengers and sometimes they fail to give any stop signal. Taxi drivers may also suddenly halt in the middle of the road when a passenger flags them down.

4. Some areas of the country are also devoid of sidewalks that a lot of pedestrians become fond of walking on the roadside even in areas where there are pathways. There are streets where children play in the middle of the road and some adults converge on the side thereof. One-ring improvised basketball courts right on the road is a common sight. Horn-blowing and speed moderation is advisable all the time in these cases.

5. Most bicycles are not equipped with lights and reflectors. Bicycle riders, bread vendors on bicycles early before sunrise, stray animals, bull or horse carts and pedestrians jaywalking are some of the hazards that a driver should be alert of.

6. Some people in the provinces are in the habit of spreading their “palay” or rice harvest in the middle of the road to dry. Though it’s perfectly ok drive over them, drivers must always slow down and exercise caution to avoid accidents.

7. Now this would sound funny to a Westerner, but once in a while, along highways in the provinces at night, drivers may come across a “walking house“. This is literally a whole house being transferred to another place on the shoulders of several of men in what Filipinos call “bayanihan”. It is a Filipino custom, a reflection of community cooperation. When driving at night drivers are on the lookout for such activities.

***”bayanihan (walking house)

8. The same caution and extreme patience is also required when a driver comes across parades and processions during fiesta time, etc. because the same usually occupy the whole width of the road. It is expected that drivers would follow these processions and overtake them only upon being given the “go” signal by the parade guides. This is also true on funeral. Blowing the car-horn at this time is considered irreverent, so drivers just have to wait.

9. During rainy months the roads become bumpy roads some areas get flooded. Driving through these roads and can be very dangerous. Drivers must always consider the slippery state of muddy road and be cautious about the depth of water on the road when they drive on rainy days.

10. If one is unfortunate enough to have a car break down, drivers should put out an early warning device or in the absence thereof , should lift the car hood. This serves as a signal that the car is out of order. Whenever possible the car is pushed to the right shoulder of the road to make as little obstruction as possible to the flow of traffic.

11. A driver who gets involved in an accident would readily give assistance to the injured person or if there is no harm inflicted on anyone, he guards the scene of the accident against further accidents by warning other motorists. He would extend cooperation to investigators who come to the scene by giving all pertinent information needed and leaves the place only upon being released by the authorities concerned. It is different though if a driver has injured a person. It is always advisable, in this case, to leave immediately pick up the victim and take him to the nearest hospital. If the victim’s relatives or neighbors have witnessed the incident, the best thing to do is to leave immediately and go directly to the nearest police station and report the accident. The reason for this can be read in my other post regarding Filipino kinship.

12. Drivers of public buses, jeeps and taxis often assume the right of way during peak hours. Filipino drivers are generally aggressive. If you are a beginner or a foreigner, defensive driving is highly recommended.

Advice For Pedestrians

Drivers’ behavior often makes it necessary for the motorist to take extra precautions or to anticipate what the other driver might do in order to avoid getting into accidents.

In crossing avenues and streets it is advisable to use pedestrian lanes whenever one is visible. Using street corners where traffic lights are placed is a safety precaution. Jaywalking or crossing a street carelessly is punishable in big cities so pedestrians are expected to cross at safe places to avoid being fined by the police.