Image from http://www.rockysunico.com/
A realistic timeline experienced by a Manila commuter.
5:30 pm – I left the office. Me and my office mates decided to have a short snack.
5:50 pm – Snack’s done. I’m waiting for a Cubao-bound bus. The traffic is already in front of me. I am just in Caloocan.
5:57 pm – I’m off to Cubao.
6:30 pm – I reached Balintawak.
7:24 pm – I reached SM North Edsa.
7:58 pm – The traffic loosens a bit. (Let’s celebrate!)
8:01 pm- Finally! I reached Cubao.
Total Distance: 11 kilometers (Caloocan to Cubao)
Total Travel Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes.
The Normal Travel Time: 10 to 15 minutes (Especially when the bus driver is badly in need of a comfort room or he’s assuming he’s driving an airplane.)
It doesn’t end there.
8:04 pm – I arrived in Baliwag Transit Bus Station.
8:34 pm – No Hagonoy-bound bus yet.
9:04 pm – No Hagonoy-bound bus yet.
9:34 pm – No Hagonoy-bound bus yet.
9:46 pm – Finally! There’s a bus.
9:48 pm – The long and winding road EDSA resumes. Warning: More traffic ahead.
11:09 pm – Finally! Just got home.
Total Distance: 46 kilometers (Cubao to Paombong)
Total Waiting and Travel time: 3 hours and 5 minutes
The Normal Time Travel: 45 minutes to 1 hour (When there are lots of buses and the driver direly needs to sleep or just excited to sip a hot Sinigang soup.)
The Reason (According to the ever efficient traffic and transportation officials):
Humongous trucks.
Conclusion:
SLEEPING IN A BUS: MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES
Recommendation:
To the bus companies, please have free pillows and blankets for a more comfy ride.
To the traffic and transportation officials and the rest of the government, you’re doing a great job on making things WORST. Congratulations!
