This I really have something to say about. I am living away from home because commuting is such a horror in the Philippines. Don’t get me wrong but it really is and I bet it’s not only me that claims such stuff. I, for one, am against the huge MRT/LRT fare hike. I guess it would be okay if the system isn’t fucked up as it is now.
Why do I hate the MRT? Oh, let me count the ways.
- The long lines to enter the platform - I know that the guards have to check our bags for security reasons. Here’s my point, do they actually know what they’re looking for? And supposing they do, how will the guards deal with it without causing panic? I guess this is one thing security companies need to look at even in malls or anywhere where they check bags.
- The discipline of the people waiting for the train - I understand how everyone is itching to go home immediately after a long day of work. But for the love of all good things, there should be some sort of discipline in entering and stepping out the train. There’s really no use shoving people just to get in or out. Why can’t there be order, right? Why can’t we fall in line and wait for our turn to ride like learned and civilized people? And no one is even controlling the people. It’s as if the guards are just waiting for some stampede to happen and just blow their whistle.
Sometimes Most of the time, it takes 8-10 minutes for the train to arrive - This causes overcrowding which causes shoving and pushing and panic. It’s actually simple logic; more trains mean more passengers can ride which means peace and order in the platforms- Technical problems while inside the train - Imagine being inside a cramped train with no space to breathe and it stops for 5 minutes. Its like your in a death chamber. One time, I rode the train home and it stopped at Ortigas for, more or less, 10 minutes without aircon and the doors closed. I am not claustrophobic but this time, I felt like I was going to faint. There was no air circulating, we were like sardines inside and it was a relatively small closed area. How do you expect to breathe in that kind of scenario. Explain.
I sound like a hater and I don’t care. I am not exaggerating and many fellow train riders can back me up with my claims. My only point is, before thinking of raising fares, fix your system. Now that the fare is higher than the buses or FXs, what makes you think that people would still ride the hell train? It maybe the fastest way but the hassle of riding it isn’t really worth it anymore. If only people will learn to give and make way, our lives will be easier. Seriously.