If you read my post a few weeks ago, you probably met the trains, LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3. They are the most economical and (arguably) the fastest land transportation in the Metro. They are probably the best option (comment if you agree) for the rushing and financially challenged commuter. With PHP30.00, you can travel to multiple cities in less than an hour.
It is because of those qualities that the trains are very popular. They're so popular that "very very very long" is an understatement to describe how long the lines to take them are. The trains overflow with commuters during rush hours. Unfortunately, your elbows are not the only body parts you rub with other commuters. And most unfortunately, during rush hours, you are introduced to a wide array of
The trains also have a reputation of breaking down every so often. Please understand, they're old and over utilized. These, the long lines, and the crammed trains can make taking the trains very stressful. But fret not, dear commuter! I have a few tips to make your life easier and help you take advantage of the good things about taking the trains.
TIP #1: Know where you need to go
Do not get confused in taking the trains. Remember, all 3 trains are connected but they only intersect at very few stations. See the map below where you can transfer stations.
TIP #2: Getting to the trains
The trains are relatively fast; but getting to the train stations is another story. The areas around train stations are usually very busy. Make sure you allot ample time. Although, getting to the train stations are relatively easy. Most PUVs pass by at least one train station.
The real challenge lies in how to get from the staircase to the platform. As I have said earlier, lines are long and they will test your patience. The key to getting around this is to know your station very well.
Some stations have multiple lines that lead to the platform during rush hours. Some of those lines take longer than the others. Unfortunately, you only get to know which line is the best when you have surveyed the station enough. So when you get stuck in the worst lines, use that time to check out other lines.
Lastly, when you finally get to the platform, there is another row of lines that will test your judgment. As a general guide, lines leading to the middle doors (as opposed to the end doors per cart) are faster as they can accommodate more.
Remember also that there are carts (usually the last carts) dedicated to women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and those with young children. Make sure you are not falling in line for this cart if you do not fit any of those.
TIP #3: Tickets/The Beep Card
The trains use two kinds of cards: single journey ticket and the Beep card.
Single Journey Ticket
The single journey ticket is obviously, for one time use only. You can get this kind of ticket at the train stations' ticket booths or ticket machines only. A few reminders for this card:
🚆 They are only usable on the same day you buy them.
🚆 Single journey tickets are line-specific-- meaning, you cannot use the LRT-1 ticket to take the LRT-2 or the MRT-3.
🚆 To use them, TAP upon ENTRY and INSERT at the turnstile upon EXIT.
If you ask me, using the single journey ticket only makes sense when you do not have enough money for a Beep card. Take note, for LRT-1 and LRT-2, you pay a few extra Pesos when you use the single journey ticket. Check this out to see how much you need to budget.
Beep Card
The Beep card is a re-loadable contactless card. If you don't have one yet, you can get it (and reload) at any train station, major convenience stores, and selected malls. A few reminders for this card:
🚆 Your first Beep card costs PHP100.00. It has PHP80.00 load, which means you paid PHP20.00 or the card.
🚆 The card has a validity of 4 years.
🚆 Maximum load amount is PHP10,000.
🚆 There is no maintaining balance for the card but the minimum loadable amounts are PHP11.00 (LRT-1), PHP12.00 (LRT-2), and PHP13.00 (MRT-3).
🚆 The Beep card is usable in all trains.
🚆 The Beep card is also usable in selected buses, expressway tolls, and convenience stores.
The MRT authorities has this brochure to guide you on how you can load your Beep cards at the train stations.
For the price list, please click on these tables I made for you.
TIP #4: Rush Hour
Avoid the rush hour. This is a cliché because it works. Rush hours mean more people, longer lines, more scents, and more stress. Rush hours run from 6:00AM to 9:00AM, and 5:00PM to 8:00PM. If you can leave earlier, all the better.
If you cannot avoid the rush hours, follow tips #2 and #5.
TIP #5: Squeezing in
There are days when you do not listen to your alarm, snooze it, and decid to take that extra 5 minutes of sleep...which extends to an hour. Obviously, you're late and you bank on the trains to miraculously get you to work on time. When you reach the station, the trains are jam packed and you know the only way to make time is you squeeze your way into the train.
People get, at the very least, uncomfortable. The concept of personal space does not exist. So make sure you:
🚆 Avoid wearing clothes that show too much skin (because do you really want to exchange
sweats with that person beside you?).
🚆 Avoid wearing flip flops and open-toed sandals if you want your toes to live.
🚆 Avoid bringing huge bags. Not only will you not get in the train, but you will also be hated by
everyone.
🚆 Make sure you have your beep card loaded. The last thing you want is to fall in (another long)
line to have your card loaded. My advice is to have it loaded at the station you get down off.
Just make sure you budget well.
TIP# 6: Taking care of your belongings
Let's keep this simple: keep your belongings in sight and secured. Because of how tight the trains can be, pick-pockets usually feast on unsuspecting commuters.
🚆 Do not keep anything in your pockets, especially in your back pockets. This is the easiest way
to steal from you, especially if you are standing up.
🚆 If you're wearing a backpack wear them in front. It does not look quite as cool as wearing them on your back but do you want to be cool without a wallet/phone? I do not think so.
🚆 If you have a shoulder bag, try as much as you can to hug it. Make sure your bag is zipped closed, and your hands cover the sides and the bottom.
🚆 I do not advise that you hold on to your wallet and phones in the train. If you drop them, good luck locating those bits and pieces in a sea of feet and bags.
🚆 The best way to not lose your valuables while in the train is to not bring too much valuables. I understand that you need your phone and some money but do you really need to bring all those debit cards, credit cards, and that much money? Plan your day ahead and budget. Bring one ATM card for emergency expenses.
🚆 Harping on the above, do not draw attention to yourself with fancy things. Do not wear too much jewelry. Remember, you are riding a PUV not a limousine. If you really need to wear them, put them first in your bags. Leave a little earlier, go to the restroom when you get to your destination and put them on.
🚆 When you plan to take a nap, make sure your bag is inaccessible -- zippers closed and covered
Hopefully, these tips are enough to let you have a nice, smooth train ride.
Well, that's the train for you (for now). I'll do buses next. Hop on.
Kid Commuter MNL
