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When it comes to Pinoy mass transportation, the Metro Railway Transit has become among top-of-mind picks for commuters.

 

For eight years now, the MRT has been providing Filipinos a welcome alternative for escaping the dreaded EDSA traffic. A trip to Makati that usually takes an hour and a half can now be a mere 15- to 20-minute ride. Passengers can travel from one destination to another with ease and speed.

While the MRT does have its perks, it certainly has its put-offs. With the drastic oil price hike, more and more passengers are opting to ride the train—and find themselves fighting for space in it. Everyday, commuters have to endure being pushed and squished due to the train’s limited space that can barely accommodate them.

So here are a few tips to help you breeze through your MRT experience:

1. Know all stations. The better informed you are about different MRT stations, the more flexible you’re going to be when traveling.
2. Secure important belongings inside your bag. Make sure your mobile phone and wallet are tucked safely inside your bag and not in its outer pockets.
3. Opt for a Stored Value Card. Considered the equivalent of a prepaid card, this becomes handy when the ticket line has already looped around the station several times.
4. Allot at least an hour for travel when taking the MRT. Make room for unseen events, such as emergency train breakdown, accidents near the stations, etc.
5. The North Edsa and Cubao MRT stations have the most number of passengers getting into the train. If you cannot avoid them, try to arrive at the station at an earlier time. The volume of people increases between 7AM and 9AM.
6. If you have an important meeting or presentation and you need to look your best, don’t wear your set outfit when taking the MRT. Your dress will only get crumpled or drenched in sweat. Fold it properly and put it in a separate paper bag.
7. Trying to lose weight? Ditch the escalator or elevator and use the stairs. You’ll get to burn calories, tone your legs and thighs, and probably get to the ticket line faster, too!
8. Head straight for the first of three coaches of the MRT as this is reserved for females and the elderly.
9. Remember to pack large doses of patience. You’re not the only person trying to get to work on time.
10. Be courteous to your fellow passengers. Smile and say sorry when you step on their toes or accidentally elbowed them, which can’t be helped at times.
11. If you have questions about MRT services, approach any personnel or security guard in the area.

The MRT is open on weekdays from 5:30AM to 11:00PM, and weekends from 5:30AM to 10:30PM.

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