I AM truly amazed of the public transportation system of Canada because it is as organized as that of Singapore. Unlike in the Philippines, you would rather opt to use a more convenient transportation, which comes of course with a price. But how I wish that our transportation system would level up to the international standards so that even tourists will find it easier to navigate from one place to another.
One of the things that struck me is the tag line of their bus, which goes; “A bus is just a limo full of friends you haven’t met yet.” For me, this tag line speaks volumes of the kind of culture that their public transportation espouses. For one, it describes the bus ride as a luxurious experience like that of riding a limousine. At the same time, it also emphasizes the relationship, respect and responsibility that people have with other community members taking the same transportation system.
My wife and I, being quite adventurous, tried out their buses and trains to validate if we feel a sense of luxury and relationship as what they are trying to sell from their transportation tag line. True enough, if you were living in Canada, you would highly consider utilizing their public transport system.
You will feel a sense of luxury since the buses and trains are clean. Their means of transportation are punctual, organized and well-maintained. People who commute are courteous and well-behaved. They follow directions and rules implemented by their transport service. It is not a taboo to greet and smile with each other. Likewise they have high regard to the elderly, the pregnant or those with children, people with disabilities, and even those with pets and those who bring their bicycles with them.
Having these things in mind, I am reminded of my own experiences of commuting in our city or even in our country. I remembered asking my wife to try riding the MRT for the first time and I remember how frustrated and upset she was going through that experience. She even promised never to ride the MRT ever again.
Why not ask the same question, do I feel a sense of luxury, safety, or relationship in our own public transportation system? Obviously not! We have a long way to go before we would reach the quality of experience we wish we could have in our country. Will the government agencies ever feel how we commuters truly feel?
The reality, however, is that it is complicated and hard for us to change realities of our public transportation system. Although what we can do is to be mindful of our individual choices that makes other people we commute with a more pleasant one even if the system does not allow.
Say for example, when riding the jeepney, would it be possible to have the courtesy to pass the fare? Would it be possible to move a little bit to the side so that other people can sit comfortably at the very least? Would it be possible for you to be mindful of your hair so that it won’t be eaten by other passengers? Would it be possible that we prioritize those who are in need to be seated first? Would it be possible to line up properly so that everyone has a fair and organized way of riding?
While admittedly we are far away from having our transportation system come near the international standards, I am hoping that our individual choices would somehow alleviate the complex situation of commuters like me.