If MRT coaches could only speak, they would probably complain about why, after 10 years of faithful service, their chance for rehabilitation and improvement is being opposed by the very people they have dutifully serviced from the very early hours of each morning till 10 in the evening. I wonder why some people would pay tricycles special rides 30 pesos at least, but oppose paying the same amount for a convenient MRT ride. Can't they see how derelict the condition of our MRT/LRT system is? If you go to the Quezon Avenue station, the escalators could hardly move and the elevators could barely carry three people. These facilities are needed by the other abled, children and senior citizens; however, in the state they are in, climbing up the high stairs (which are dusty and sometimes sleeping quarters of the homeless and vagabonds) seem to be a faster alternative. In the past months or years, for that matter, because of the many accidents and mishaps in the MRT or LRT, I've opted riding the ordinary Buses whenever I'm in a hurry. They are faster than the MRT, they are quick at beating the red light and outsmart other transportations. However, these buses are accident-prone, and I would be the first to suggest that they should be taken off the streets, but with the dismal state of the MRT, long lines and frequent interruptions, commuters have to find alternatives to avoid tardiness and absence from work especially if your boss's ugly look greets you whenever you punch in late.
True, it is the government's duty to provide a convenient mass transport system to its citizens, but if the Government has no Budget, for now, to assume that responsibility, then we need to make a few sacrifices if it means convenience in the long run.
In the entire Asian continent, our MRT/ LRT Fare is the cheapest. In Bangkok, for example, the minimum fare is about 30 baht, almost P50; but you can see that the surroundings are well-maintained. Restrooms are clean, floors are shiny, escalators and elevators work very well and and, most of all, very secured. This is the kind of service that we want and can be done with enough budget and funds.
Let's face the fact that we need the MRT and LRT, so let's value them. Let's give what we can so that we can maximize its usability. The price increase might mean additional 500 for transportation per month. That would mean some adjustments in our trips to the coffee shop, fast food, movies, dates, etc. That would try our self-discipline, so to speak.
In the entire Asian continent, our MRT/ LRT Fare is the cheapest. In Bangkok, for example, the minimum fare is about 30 baht, almost P50; but you can see that the surroundings are well-maintained. Restrooms are clean, floors are shiny, escalators and elevators work very well and and, most of all, very secured. This is the kind of service that we want and can be done with enough budget and funds.
Let's face the fact that we need the MRT and LRT, so let's value them. Let's give what we can so that we can maximize its usability. The price increase might mean additional 500 for transportation per month. That would mean some adjustments in our trips to the coffee shop, fast food, movies, dates, etc. That would try our self-discipline, so to speak.
