Today e have a light hearted view of some of the transport systems in the Philippines, always remembering that out in the provinces electricity and fuel shortages mean that Filipinos have to find another way of getting around.
Transportation
The Philippines has a surprisingly adequate transportation system considering its geographical make up, which makes any island or inter-island as well as international tour possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p89MHXkBL2c
Almost all provinces have airports to cater to inter-island or local flights at a reasonable cost. Also, there are quite a number of Bus lines or bus companies that transports travelers and tourists to the various regions of the country quite easily. Land travel can range from four hours (nearest destination) to 24 hours depending on the destination and starting point. The Philippines has an extensive public transport service as well as national highway systems, which connect all the major islands of the Philippines.
Railway
Travel in major cities can also be done through the country’s land railway system like the Metrotren, Light Railway Transit (LRT), Metro Railway Transit (MRT) a good alternative for jeepneys and also to avoid congested traffic on roads in big cities.
Tricycle
Tricycles are an efficient mode of transportation in the Philippines. The motorcycles are customized with a sidecar which is capable of accommodating up to four passengers. The motorcycle seat is often extended with a cushioned board to take additional passengers. Women typically ride side saddle on this seat. Depending on the your locale and the speeds of the Motorcycle cab this can be a dangerous endeavor, but also very convenient. Unlike the jeepney, the motorcycle cab will take you directly to your destination and drop you off at the door.
Taxis
Taxi is the best transportation for touring around a city, especially Manila. With a flag-down rate of Php 40 to 70 pesos, taxis can take you to any point in Manila and in nearby cities.
Sea Travel
The Philippines is composed of 7,100 islands split mostly of expanse of water, thus, sea travel is prevalent. There are a lot of Seafarers in the country. It range from the most common bangka or baluto, small ferry boats, cargo ships, regular ship lines and major cruise lines that give any traveler the convenience of an inter-island tour. Mostly, sea travel lasts for 24 or 48 hours depending on the extent to which the traveler would traverse. The Barko, otherwise known as a ferry boat, is an essential cog in the transportation infrastructure of the Philippines.
Jeepney
Jeepneys are the most basic form of transportation in all major cities and provinces all over the Philippines. At present it is considered as an emblem of national esteem because Jeepneys can be found ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES. They are a unique Philippine invention built from ingenuity and scrap metal. The Americans left the islands following WWII, they left behind military hardware including a large inventory of jeeps. The local population customized the jeeps, extending the bed to accommodate passengers, covering the bed to keep the customers dry during typhoon season, and adding some color and flare that are typical of the Philippine culture.
Today’s jeepneys are a hybrid: part Latin American bus, part practical transportation. Jeepney owners compete for the flashiest vehicle, ornamenting their jeepney with multiple stainless steel hood ornaments, fluorescent detailing, and art work that may include: women, Catholic Saints, and pop culture (Michael Jordan being a popular jeepney logo). Jeepney owners have recently incorporated concert capable sound systems and light shows that make their cabs look more like mobile concerts.
The jeepney is a very efficient mode of transportation. Each jeepney has a designated route which it circles continuously throughout the day. The route is designated either in a sign board in the front window or in a marquee in the front of the jeepney. Standing along the road and hailing a jeepney with a raised hand is enough to stop the vehicle and catch a ride.
Short routes cost as little as eight pesos, while longer routes are more expensive, sometimes up to 50 pesos. Clicking a coin on the jeepney is a signal for the jeepney driver to stop ever so briefly so that you can jump out. When the two outside seating benches have filled in a jeepney, makeshift stools will accommodate passengers in the aisle, when the aisle is full passengers will sit with the driver in the cab, and when these seating resources are exhausted, passengers will take a seat on the top of the jeepney (though illegal) or hang from the tail bumper. The jeepney ride is a positively Filipino experience!
Pedicab
The Pedicab is a three wheeled bicycle with a covered rear seat for customers. Like a bicycle rickshaw, this form of transportation is powered by human pedal power. Pedicabs are particularly welcomed on a hot day when the jeepney drops you blocks from your destination. Along with the jeepney and the motorcycle cab, the open air of the the pedicab provides pleasant relief from the heat for passengers. As the least expensive form of transportation in the islands, pedicab fares range from 10 peso to 30 pesos. Pedicab driving may be one of the most difficult occupations in the world, drivers are often ill due to exposure to the elements and alternating weather patterns and purely exhausting work.
