Bus: What you really need to know

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Hi there,

Buses are ideal for long commutes. They are relatively cozier than cheaper alternatives. They are slower but they are weather-proof--if there is an off-chance that it will flood, I suggest you take the bus.

Buses in the Philippines come in two options- Air-conditioned and Ordinary fare (i.e. non-aircon buses). Main difference? The fare. Air-conditioned buses costs P2.00-P5.00 more than Ordinary. One more? The amount and kind of pollution you will absorb. Air-conditioned buses shield you from the smog of the Metro but they expose you to weird smells. Choosing between the two really depends on your and your pocket's appetite tolerance.

Tip#1: Flagging down buses
Interestingly, flagging down buses are quite tricky. You are lucky if you live a few steps away from a terminal. But for most of us who live along the bus routes, you need to make a scene to stop them. Make sure to flag them a few hundred meters away also. Remember, basic science tells us: bigger mass + high speed =  more inertia.

If your bus plies through EDSA, it makes your life a bit more difficult. Buses have letters on the upper right of their windshields. Each letter corresponds to a set of  bus stops. If you happen to get on a bus that does not stop at your destination, I wish you good luck. It is very likely you will be:
     

    A) walking a lot, or

B) be forced to jump off a slow-moving bus in the middle lane while getting shouted at by the driver, the conductor, the driver of the car behind you, and the traffic enforcer. Make your life             easier, and choose the appropriate bus.

To guide you, here is an infrographic from Rappler:

Tip #2: Finding your seat
In a typical bus, you have three seats on your right and two seats on your left. Choosing where to seat is really a matter of preference. I am sharing with you some tips I learned first hand.

Seats	Tips
Aisle seats	Least comfortable for me. Your space gets invaded by people standing up. You will get pushed by protruding bellies every time passengers need to get off the bus or every time the conductor collects payments. Most prone to be robbed for seated commuters, especially if you leave your bags open.
Middle seat (in a 3 seater row)	Take this if you do not mind getting squeezed. A bit uncomfortable especially when the window seat guy needs to get out... or loves the sun too much not to close the curtains at 9AM.
Window seat	Best for sleeping. Your main concerns would be the broken air conditioner (can make it too cold), the sun (can make it too hot), and the stinky curtains. To avoid the cold, bring a jacket. Bring scratch paper also in case the air-con window is busted. Use the scratch paper to clog the window. To avoid the sun, choose the proper aisle seat depending on your travel time. Just remember: the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

Tip#3: Standing up
Most of the time, we ride buses with no empty seats. Alas, that means you have to stand up the entire shakey ride. Just a few notes:

    Stand far from the door when your destination is far. This is more convenient.

Stand close the door when your destination is close. When the bus gets really full, it will be very hard navigating through the narrow aisle populated with sweaty bodies if you stand at the end of the bus. But there is an exception to this rule.
    The exception: when you have a choice, avoid standing near the door. This is where most pick-pockets thrive because this is where most it gets most crowded.

As a general rule, do not put important items in your pockets when you have to stand up in a bus.

Tip#4: Where to get off
Please get off at designated stops only. The conductor usually shouta out the next stop; please pay attention. Avoid wearing headsets.

Be careful also: sometimes, bus drivers would stop and let you get off in the middle lane.

Tip#5: Funny businesses
Be wary. As is in many transport options, there are a lot of funny businesses that occur.

    Sometimes, the conductor will pull one on you if you are not familiar with the fare. Best to give an exact amount when you pay. See Tip#6 for more information.

The most common funny business is pick-pocketing. Whether you are standing up in the aisle or seated near the aisle, best to be extra mindful of your belongings. Again, no items in your pockets. Most pick pockets are done by a group of people where one creates a distraction while the other picks. For those standing up, one of the most common scheme is to create very tight paths for when you have to descend the bus, it will be very easy to rob you.
    Careful of sex-starved people. They may take advantage of you. You need to draw attention when you are being harassed; perhaps shame the culprit. Just be very careful, they may be armed.

Tip#6: Prepare exact amounts
The Philippine Commuting System rests on honesty. Where else do you see people reaching for other people's fares not to keep for themselves but for the driver? Alas, we are only humans and are tempted.

As of this writing, the minimum bus fare is P12.00. Now for first timers, it is always good to ask the conductor how much the fare is from the conductor BEFORE handing out that P100 bill. Sometimes, the conductor pulls one on you (whether intentionally or unintentionally); charging you more than what it really is due. But when you have taken the bus a few times, you will eventually know the true fare. When you have reached that level of enlightenment, make sure to bring and pay the exact amount.

Tip#7: Bring snacks
I am assuming that you rode the bus because your commute is at least an one hour. During the rush hour, I am sure you will starve. Please do not bring anything too smelly though.

If you happen to forget your trusty biscuit, I am sure the peanut vendor will come aboard and tempt you with the smell of the not-so freshly cooked legume.

Tip#8: Point-to-point buses (P2P)
Because of the insane traffic, the government has partnered with a few bus companies to bring you "express" buses. These buses do not allow passengers to get off the bus before reaching the terminal. They charge a bit more but you save some time...IF the terminal is near your house.

P2P's are comfortable. Some of them even have TV's. Leg room may be an issue for some but you can choose your seat to get around this. Word of caution though: as this is popular, you may have to wait a long time before the buses arrive during rush hours. On lull hours, however, P2P's will leave on time whether it is full or not.

The only point-to-point buses I know are:

    Glorietta 5 (Makati) to Trinoma (North Ave., Quezon City) and vice-versa;

    Glorietta 5 (Makati) to Eton Centris (Quezon Ave., Quezon City) and vice-versa;

    Glorietta 3 (Makati) to Robinson's Novaliches (Fairview, Quezon City) and vice-versa;

    Glorietta 3 (Makati) to Robinson's Galleria (Ortigas Center, Pasig City) and vice-versa;

    Alabang Town Center (Alabang) to Glorietta 1 (Makati) and vice-versa

I hope you find these tips useful. The bus is one of your options and can be your friend; just make sure you know it well.

That's it for buses for now. Let's take the taxis next.

Hop on.

Kid Commuter MNL