Latest posts from our Manila expert:
A Comprehensive Commuter Guide: Part 1
Manila has a plethora of public transportation options. Visitors who can afford not to take them usually consider themselves lucky. But as a local, I command that you try it. On the occasions I rough it out without my car, I feel a camaraderie with things around me. You'll feel it too, especially when you learn how to adjust to Filipino-sized seating. Nothing gives you a better sense of the city than the its lifeblood- the streets. So take a chance, it will be a guaranteed bumpy ride.
My general tips about public transportation are taken from a traveller's standpoint so I listed them down from the least adventurous to the most adventurous.
The taxi is the easy option for most people with money. Because of the depreciating Peso, traveling via taxi is affordable and painless for travellers from outside the country. However, some taxis take advantage of foreigners (and locals too) by asking for a flat rate or a fixed tip. By law, they are required to use the meter so insist that they do. Tipping is up to you. The initial run up is P35. Check the meter and lock all doors. It’s sad to say but there are some pretty nasty drivers out there so jot down the cab’s license plate just incase. Also there are some choosy drivers who will give you all sorts of excuses why they cannot take you where you want to go. Some are downright silly so it’ll be a funny anecdote on the mean streets of Manila
The FX or shuttle are air-conditioned vehicles that usually serve the same routes as jeepneys. This is the choice of transportation of professionals who don’t want to get to the work all sweaty and smelling like the sun. It’s not really a something I’d recommend for a traveller. Unless, you’re interested in observing how corporate drones commute. It could prove to be educational. There are different kinds of shuttle vehicles: most of them are L300s, vans. and Tamaraw FXs. They seat from 10-16 and cost around P20 or up. These are great for going around the cities as they have their regular routes. Ask around for the shuttle stops in commercial areas like malls and business districts.