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A Comprehensive Commuter Guide: Part 3
Buses are best taken for long trips to the provinces when you don’t think you can drive. Even if they are cramped and have virtually no legroom, you won’t mind because these things fly. Bus drivers are probably the most aggressive due to their size dominance. Ironically, they weave in and out of traffic like motorcycles. They’re great for long-distance distance travels not just because of speed, but also because you get a lot of hop-on vendors that will open you up to a world of Filipino treats. It differs from province to province so don’t be afraid to try everything out. For short distances within the city, avoid the bus. The money you’ll save will not be worth the hassle. Bus tickets range starts from P8 to P10 but they usually just go to the major roads severely limiting your destinations.
A tricycle is a motorized vehicle made by attaching a hub to a motorbike. Since, housing subdivisions are popular they’re used mostly for transporting people from the gates of their villages to their houses. Tricycles don’t usually go on the main road, except in the provinces where you’ll see them transporting up to 10 people. These little road racers can carry the load of a car. I’d recommend riding them for the thrill factor. These shaky, zippy things will be a nice breezy ride, especially if you’re going around the countryside. The prices vary greatly, depending on the area and the distance. Ask friendly locals so you’re not duped into paying more than you need to.
Think of an archaic, sadistic, human-powered version of the tricycle- that’s the pedicab. You’ll see these at the entrances of certain subdivisions, most of which have rules against noisy tricycles. They usually cost a lot more than a tricycle for the obvious reason that one person is doing the work. Use these when you’d want to take a quiet leisurely ride and in the case of a flood. Yes, it floods in the Philippines. I warn you though, it’s not much faster than walking.
For the most exciting of them all is the iconic Jeepney. It’s rough, tough, and a total road rage machine. Jeepney drivers are the most seasoned drivers of all and they’re not afraid of getting hit. Bump a jeepeney and you can be sure that a dent in your car will not even leave a scratch on theirs. It’s actually not that convenient for tourists because you have to be pretty familiar with their specific routes but more than its travel value, jeepneys represent the Pinoy spirit. These stainless steel vehicles got their start when Pinoys converted jeeps left behind by the Americans into passenger vehicles. It’s since become one of the most recognizable images of Filipino culture. Jeepneys are usually family-owned and thus they personalize it with every image their family holds dear. It’s not unusual to see a Jesus Christ next to Japanese anime characters next to a picture of their youngest child. It’s loud, tacky, and the most endearing thing you’ll see on the road.
Traditional jeepney fares range from P7 up and have a seating capacity of around 14 people. In Makati and some other cities, you’ll be lucky to catch the latest innovation of the jeep- air-conditioned jeepneys!