Commute in Manila is a nightmare. Roads are dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. Road signs are confusing and intentionally hidden so that traffic cops can surprise unsuspecting souls and 'milk up' some coffee money from them - we called them 'Buwaya' (crocodilus) due to their big stomach and thick skin.
According to the Government, our economy is losing 3.5 billion pesos a year due to traffic. That's a lot of money for a country that has a great need to generate money to feed its people. The worst effect of traffic is in people lives. My colleague live in Bulacan and most of the time his travel takes around 4 hours from his place to our office in Makati. Another 4 hours from Makati to Bulacan. He spend half of his day on the road instead of spending it with his family. I think that is unacceptable. Government should continue to strive for a better road and better mass transport system. People deserve better. I know, Digong is really up to the challenge.
MRT is a big challenge to the current administration. As a regular MRT commuter, I have a first hand experience on how MRT goes to become one of the most hated transport system in our country. Multiple breakdowns, accidents due to improper maintenance, incompetent management, passenger being offloaded because of system malfunctions and the worst is the multiple investigations done by the senate and yet no one was punished. Corruption at its finest!
Today, if you hate MRT or simply find it annoying that you have to wait for 30 minutes to an hour before boarding the train, you have now the option to ride via point to point bus. The bus route is from Trinoma to Glorietta. Travel will take around 45 minutes to an hour or so. Fare is quite expensive, 75 pesos one way. The first time I ride this bus the fare is only 50 pesos. I don't know the reason why they increased the fare. I can't complain. The bus is still the better alternative if I will not take the MRT. So, it is something of an expensive choice but a choice nonetheless.
The bus are clean but already showing some sign of wear and tear. It has a toilet which can be used during the call of the nature. Aircon is cold which is expected. Some has entertainment system with music and movies that you can watch if you don't want to take a quick nap while traveling. I haven't experienced people standing in the bus since I always travel after rush hour. According to my colleague, people also queue during rush hour since there are only few buses. So, I would suggest either go to Makati early or off rush hour to avoid being crushed in MRT or brave the queue.
Bus waiting for passengers who are willing to spend 75 pesos for a ride to Makati. Be careful with shuttle services who drive like crazy in this road.
You will get the ticket if you pay cash. You can also use Beep card to pay.
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