Tips on Using Public Land Transportation in the Philippines

            All of us, at least once in a lifetime, have used public transportation and whether we did it right or not is not up for debate, what matters most is we made it to our destination. We can all admit that we've been to a point in our lives where using public transport is scary. It could be that you still feel that way today. Here, I will give you some tips on how to use public transport especially when you are traveling to far places alone in the Philippines.

            The most obvious tip is to research where you are going first. Ask someone who has been there before on what transportation they took. Look at the internet for public transportation routes. Use your previous knowledge on what available routes are in there.

            When traveling to a place for the first time, you should always turn on your Google Maps to know exactly where you are. You’re going to need mobile data so you should put some credit in your sim. By doing this, you should be able to tell where you need to get off.

            In the same situation, you should sit next or near the driver and not be afraid to ask questions and tell where you want to go. They will drop you off where you need to be and if they can’t reach your destination because of their route, they will tell you what you need to do next - like get on another jeep or bus.

            Usually, asking security guards – if there are no information booths – questions are really helpful, they know where the terminal is, they know a lot of places, and they know how to get to those places. They are really friendly and approachable too.

            The first thing you should avoid if you want to keep your transportation expenses to a minimum is the taxis and tricycles. Those two often charge more when you are the only passenger. Only use it as a last resort or if you have a shared ride – also if that is the only transportation available.

            In case of an emergency, you should always bring extra money and put it in different pockets and in your bag and wallet too.

            If you want a cheap ride, try using jeepneys. Ask the conductors on what jeep routes you should choose to get to where you want. Most of the time, when using jeepneys, it is not just one ride because jeepneys don’t usually go far away from their designated city.

            Point-to-point buses are really useful too if the place is far away. It is cheap and very convenient. Just make sure that when you’re near your destination, try to come closer to the driver and ask them to make sure that you are in the right place.

            Traveling alone can be scary but it can also feel good. You’ll feel free and you’re going to talk to people that you’ll probably only going to meet once in your life. I highly recommend using public transportation and traveling alone to be able to explore, not just the place, but also the people.

            All of the tips above are very useful but the most important tip I can give is to be respectful and always say “Thank you!”