Before Metro Manila’s population got this big — almost 12 million residents — commuting to school or work was manageable. Now the road has become a dangerous place and only the fittest surive. How do we bring back these five necessities?
1. When pedestrians had the power.
There was a time when motorists actualy stopped for pedestrians who wanted to cross the street. There were even traffic buttons that worked. Now all you have are three-storey foot bridges built with no regard for children or elderly citizens — and they are often built as an oversight. When the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority initiated the U-turn traffic some years back, it took them years to build pedestrian overpasses on Quezon Avenue, so people who wanted to cross were always literally running for their lives.
2. The Love Bus at PHP2.50 per trip.
These blue, airconditioned buses had dedicated terminals, specific pick-up and drop-off points and were always clean. The fare was also subsidized at a flat PHP2.50 per route. If we can’t bring back the love, DOTC should at least reintroduce designated — and limited — stops for current bus liners.
3. Organized bus sheds.
There was a time when our streets and avenues actually had sheds where commuters patiently waited for the arrival of their buses and jeepneys. While there are still bus sheds in some areas of Metro Manila, they are not everywhere they should be. And we’re not sure how we feel about turning them into WiFi hotspots as the City of Manila has done.
4. When people helped the elderly cross the street.
There was a time in Metro Manila when you could literally knock on someone’s door and ask for water, and they’ll let you inside to relax and have a cold glass before you go on your own merry way. This was when people sort of still knew and trusted each other. There was also a time when we were taught in school to assist the elderly and handicapped cross the street. Now, not only are they ignored, sometimes they are even victims of passive-aggressive behavior, with people shouting at them for walking too slow.
5. When taxi drivers — and riders — were courteous.
Taxi drivers used to at least say “thank you” when their passengers let them keep the change. Now not only do some taxi drivers not give back change without your blessing, they also demand that you add PHP20 to your fare even before your trip begins. Of course some commuters have also developed an attitude these days, treating drivers as if they are personal slaves. Respect is a two-way street.
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