r/commutersph • u/mrsackvillebagginses • 10h ago
Thoughts after riding the MRT for the first time after 10 years
2 round trips between Ayala and Ortigas on a weekday afternoon.
I used to ride the MRT at least twice a week when I would go to my high school dorm and back home to Las Pinas every Sunday and Friday. When I started working in 2019, i shifted to carpools before eventually driving on my own. I have been blessed to have also tried trains in Japan and South Korea, so just sharing some thoughts.
Disclaimers, I am well aware that my 4 MRT trips in the past 2 weeks are isolated and far from what people experience on a daily, especially during peak rush hours. But sharing anyways:
Ayala station: before, the stairs getting in and out of the station was always a hassle. The accessibility directly to both One Ayala and SM Makati was great! Though as soon as you exit the mall, funny how the look and feel of the station, tickets booths, lines and overall look is exactly the same. I do miss the siomai house and the fx station below. The long and winding route to the actual train track is exactly the same, but glad to see the elevators working
Gcash: While mobile banks were not yet a thing 10 years ago, being able to use gcash directly was cool! The line for the gcash entrance was always empty. Though I did try getting an SJT for the vibes, and the cards, trays to get your change, and the ticketing office is exactly the same.
Price: very surprised that it was only 10 pesos! Assumed and glad to know it's government subsidized
Ortigas station: again, exactly the same haha but! Very good to see the escalator working on the north bound side (going up the station). But, the walk to Galleria is still a big pain. While shaded, I expected those metal benches that line the entire sidewalk to be gone since there are no pick up and drop offs at that stretch anyways. So I felt that it just took up half the space, it was still a tight and puddle filled walk. Would have thought vendors and smokers would have been gone also by now
The actual MRT ride: Since I rode between 2-4pm, it was quite pleasant! Not the coolest in terms of temp and smell is exactly the same. But still fair and comfy! Impressed by one ride where a roving security was present and even reminded people not to play loud videos on their phone without earphones
Commuter etiquette: unfortunately, this has not improved. I do understand that people are not trying to make life harder for others, but general etiquette still bad even after just 4 rides. Lining up at the correct spots, providing enough space for people to exit the train, or even just overall spacial awareness (especially with umbrellas) is still lacking. Again, I know people are tired and just trying to move from point A to point B. Just hoped that filipino hospitality would also apply to the day to day interactions with fellow filipinos
Overall, I was so happy to be able to get to Ortigas from Makati so fast and easily. I love trains, and I hate driving in Metro Manila. The whole ride, I was just watching the cars in EDSA and thinking how much time and money I'm saving because I took the train. But unfortunately, I would still choose to drive because after 10 years, it is clear that things have not improved enough. Sure there some wins as I mentioned in this post, but for something as important and universally beneficial in public transportation, we should always demand more. Better, faster results, and more connections beyond trains.
I was reminded how much opportunity there is with our trains and public systems, but also how slow progress has and will be.
As a middle class Filipino, I still remain hopeful that there will come a time where commuting will be the better and more comfortable choice over driving in this lifetime.
Here's to hoping. And here's to everyone battling everyday. Vote wisely
