I experienced something last Friday. Usually, when going around the city I would choose to go somewhere walkable. If a bit farther I would usually book a car or ride a taxi. For that day I tried riding a hired motorcycle to get me from one point to another. I did ride a local jeepney a week ago as I am trying to get myself accustomed to commuting again.
I am trying to get myself feel not so overwhelmed with a lot of people around. To not feel anxious and normalize how it feels.
I have always thought of motorcycles as generally unsafe. I would rather walk than ride one. Even with people that I know I would rarely ride in their motorcycles. So it was a big deal for me to consider hiring one through a ride-hailing app.
Photo by Charlie Egan on Unsplash
Booking done. As I waited for him to arrive I was still contemplating if I would go through this. I was anxious about my safety. Motorcycle riders doesn't have good reputation here and are often referred as Kamote (is a root crop but often used to describe someone as stupid) rider.
Before I can decide he arrives and confirm me as his passenger. He also informs me that he does not have any hairnet as well thus exposing my hair to his shared helmet which all his passengers users. Hopefully no one had any lice.
I struggled putting in my helmet but was too proud to ask for help. Somehow I was able to get it locked in. I was not that confident though and during our ride I constantly checked and held it.
He was bobbing and weaving through traffic as if he needed to go to the bathroom. He squeezed in between two cars and seemed so close. I'm not religious but I might have uttered a prayer or two.
Finally we arrived at my destination and its always uncomfortable to me to mount and dismount motorcycles. He held an arm up and it took me a second to realize that he was offering support to make it easier for me to dismount.
I thanked him and went on to my next mode of transportation, a bus. It has been pre-pandemic since the last time that I rode one. I didn't even know how much it costs now. I sat in one of the backseat and I have always found it inconvenient if the first person that sat down insists on staying the aisle side and have to do this uncomfortable shimmy to move towards the window side. I settled in and just listened to music until I reached my destination.
It wasn't that bad however I commuted during not rush hour so it didn't feel hectic. I am not sure how I will handle it during peak rush hour, with everyone just trying to squeeze in and get home as soon as possible.
Transportation in Manila is terrible. This is why most people opt to get cars and motorcycles. This is why I often opted to live near my places of work and leisure so that I can just walk. However with some of the major changes in my life that will no longer be an option.
While I can get a car, with the upkeep and maintenance of it and the fact that I don't travel enough that it does not seem to be efficient aside from being more comfortable. So commuting it is then for those rare times that I will need to attend an onsite meeting.
Next challenge is riding the Metro train for another time.
What's your commuting story?