The Ugly Truth of Commuting in Manila this Rainy Season

Heavy rains, flooded streets, crowded trains, and buses – how will you survive? Pinoys commuting in Manila to work have to deal with the sluggish flow of traffic every day. They sat beside fellow commuters wet with sweat and enveloped with a not-so-happy aura.

Every day is a struggle. When it rains, you are still expected to report to work as if it is a normal day, just like your boss. The difference is your boss has a car. You don’t.

The Reality of Commuting in Manila on Rainy Days

One of the dragging factors when commuting in Manila is the rainy season. Here are the reasons why. 

The Traffic in EDSA

As the famous hugot line says, “Traffic lang sa EDSA ang forever.” Every day, we witness the seemingly hopeless condition of traffic in EDSA. Being the main road when commuting in Manila, it has always been congested. Buses, jeepneys, taxis, motorbikes, and private vehicles use it as their route.

Commuters have no other choice. They accept that they have to leave their homes early in the morning to get to work on time. However, they come back home late at night due to rush hour.

They see less of their families on workdays. In addition, they even lose the chance to sleep comfortably in their beds. Also, they miss their loved ones even though they stay in a single home. All because they have to join other commuters on the long winding lines in MRT and LRT stations.

MRT and LRT usually break down during mid-trips

It is not new when Facebook trends with news of passengers walking on tracks. Why? Because an MRT train breaks down halfway to another station. Or LRT stations won’t accept passengers for a while due to technical problems.

These circumstances are not enough excuses. When you get to work late and look haggard as if your shift has just ended.

There are too many people for limited trains.

Overcrowded trains may be a nuisance, yet Filipinos want to get to work on time. Or as soon as possible, they will push the already sweaty crowd further into the train just to get in.

People may grumble, curse, and even shout at each other due to getting hurt. But they are all in the same predicament, standing close to strangers and almost breathing each other’s breath.

Sometimes when a commuter complains loudly, others will say that complainants better get out and fetch a taxi. Or, better yet, buy a car for convenience.

Roads easily get flooded.

It is no secret that Manila’s drainage system isn’t world-class. Streets easily get flooded. Sadly, this makes the traffic even worst. Commuters have to bravely walk in floods just to get home. They are aware of the known dangers such as falling into open manholes and tripping on unseen objects underwater. Or worse, getting feet fungal infection, and acquiring leptospirosis.

It is difficult to catch a ride.

Getting stranded is no fun if you are tired, wet, cold, and hungry. Drivers of some public utility vehicles sometimes choose to just go home due to heavy traffic. As a result, less chance for passengers to get a ride.

Sometimes taxi drivers even ask for a higher fare. If you live with a tight budget, expect to get home way past midnight. 

Why should you buy a car?

There is a lot of reason why you should buy a car. But the rainy season encourages you more. One of the most practical reasons is your daily stress brought by commuting to Manila. 

Stay fresh during your travel.

Despite the worse weather, you are expected to look your best at work. If you have a car, you can avoid the crowd. You can even keep some of your clothes in the backseat and change them when you get to the office. Also, you can keep extra shoes and clothes in the trunk.

You can choose your route around Metro Manila.

Traffic is the main problem for commuters. As a car owner, you can simply avoid most of it by taking alternate routes. More time can be spent at home. There is no rush to get in line just to catch a train. Also, you can also avoid flooded areas along the way.

Joyrides

You can stop by any fast food place or restaurant if you get hungry. If you are in a rush, you can just buy through drive-thrus. You can also go to other places out of the public vehicle way.

Safer travel

When commuting in Manila, you have to take care of your belongings. If you have big luggage or a couple of bags, these will add up to your inconvenience. You have to keep an eye on them. Also, you have to watch out for pickpockets and holdapers. But if you drive your own car, you can avoid these dilemmas. 

Bladder breaks

With your own car, you can drive to a gasoline station and take a pee. You can even take your time. Perhaps, drop by the next-door convenience store and buy some snacks.

Fill up Cash Mart’s online loan application form to get the quickest car loan in the Philippines. Save yourself the hassle of commuting to Manila and spend more time with your loved ones than strangers in an overcrowded public vehicle.

If you get sick this rainy season but your savings are not enough for medical bills. You can get a loan from a trusted online lending company. It is the best tandem when commuting in Manila.