Commuting: Things people do but shouldn’t

They say that in every situation there's a story to tell. Interestingly, many of the stories circulating around Metro Manila are based from commuter’s experiences. Two to three hours spent on the road will surely make you wonder and even show your personality - odd or not!

With that ample amount of time, you'll also witness how other people behave, which sometimes brings our tendency to judge other people -- how they react to the situation and to other people.

There are times wherein you'll feel so blessed that you had the chance to encounter this person (not because he/she is a cutie!) but because he/she taught you a life lesson...

Based from those inner struggles, we've come up with a list of situations we wish we can preach to our fellow commuters! Here are some of the things other people do in public transportation but shouldn't!

1. When he/she pays a P1,000 bill early in the morning!

Guys, let’s admit it -- you are in the Philippines and most of our drivers surely left their big amounts at home (like 500 bills!). Some just gave their ‘boundary’ last night to the car owners and some just had their first flight! Or just do the math: is 8 X 20 = Fish?

2. When he/she slams the door like he/she owns it!

Some commuters are just careless! But let's commend those who are not.

Most of the drivers love their cars because it's their source of living. And even though it looks old and rusty, the fact that it can safely bring you from one place to another is a manifestation that the car owners are taking care of it. SO BE GENTLE!

3. When he/she is trying to make a scene.

Let them have the spotlight. Don’t bother.

4. When he/she suddenly shouts “Para po!” in the middle of multi lane roadways, then get angry when he/she didn't get dropped off at that exact point.

Geez… Do you think this thing can fly? This situation is one of the most frustrating ones, so don’t do this! Or else you might silently hear some of the worst curse words and experience dead stares from other passengers.

Simply do this: If your stop is coming up next, warn the driver ahead of time with a bit of a loud but polite voice. Sometimes, drivers are too busy using their 5 senses while driving, which you shouldn't blame them for. Manila roads are too busy to look at anywhere else (also because the law asks of them to stay focused on driving!) and we should also consider their age and gender, too.

5. When he/she doesn’t know the concept of falling in line.

Have you come across this viral post on social media? It's so clear what's wrong with the picture, right? Just look at those arrows, and where the line is.

Shame! Shame! Shame! If you want to be famous, do it the right way.

6. When he/she bumps and pushes you violently, crushing your bones!

A bit exaggerated right? But again, have you heard of the old Filipino joke that goes, “Sa pagko-commute, papasok kang estudyante, lalabas kang mandirigma.”

It may be funny, but like most jokes there's a grain of truth there. But we hope you conquered the way with dignity! We know how horrid commuting is but you don’t have to sacrifice your reputation for a 20-minute travel period.

7. When he/she sits and acts like royalty! Never tolerate such butt-headedness!

At one point in your life, you will meet a disrespectful person (but perhaps many times!) so never tolerate such! If the person is being truly dense, that’s the perfect time to speak up because you paid the same amount!

**If you don’t want to be that person, make necessary adjustments!

8. When he/she is taking advantage! When they're feeling privileged and they're using their attitude to overpower other people.

If you do not belong to this group, you have no special privileges inside a public transportation.

Unless you really are. The elderly, disabled, and pregnant women are the only ones who deserve special privileges. 

9. When he/she smells like... poo. Or something else that's just as bad.

Please! You don’t have to embody the imperfection of the public transport system here in our country! Have proper hygiene! Wipe your sweat, and make sure you're clean. Who wants to feel the sticky and disgusting feeling of skin to skin contact while struggling on the road?

10. When he/she is being a pervert!

Whether you're the victim or not, kick that ass ASAP! Call 911! Call everyone’s attention! Make sure the pervert stops what they're doing.

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We know that commuting is really stressful, we can even include it on our list of “we wish we wouldn’t do”, but that’s how life is. Commuting teaches us how to survive each passing day and hone our strength, patience, and determination to do better in all of life's aspects.

For now, as our world becomes a bit more tightly interconnected, it's better to encourage everyone to do what’s right because it feels good.

Do you have any good or funny commute stories? Share them with us!