A Neglected Simple Rule and Some Basic Rules for Riding The Train

From my place, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) is undoubtedly the most convenient way to get to Makati City in spite of its fair share of overcrowding, delays and most of all, neglected simple rules for riding the MRT like when long lines of train riders snaking to the automatic gates or ticket booths are formed during the rush hour.

My experiences since I started riding the train concerning the violators of these basic rules particularly this morning fueled my muse to make this post.

“The Simple Rule: Follow the Line and Wait for Your Turn”

Normally, I ride the jeepney before 6:30 in the morning to avoid catching the deluge of every train rider in the metropolis which is the long lines of train passengers piling up from both sides of MRT’s North Edsa Station as if a big movie is on its first day of showing. So I always see to it that I leave the house before said time to stay away from such scenario.

This morning, my body involuntarily responded to the backlog of tiredness thereby causing disruption to my body clock. I woke up late for short and this means only one thing: I just availed a free ticket to that big movie showing at the MRT theater.

As expected, the lines on both sides of the station’s entrance have already reached approximately 100 meters away from the ticket booth by the time I dismounted from the jeep. Consequently, I could hardly see the entrance leading to the stairs of the station and the line was no longer moving since I stood at my position. I figured out that the security guards must have declared a “stop entry” when the platform became excessively crowded to accommodate passengers therein. (Sigh!) I really had to “turtle” my way up the Automatic Gates where the magnetic strip tickets are inserted.

Take a peek at the long lines:

This one is crawling at the left side of the entrance.

Another view of the long line at the left side.

This is from the right side of the entrance.

I thought that’s the worst that could happen today up to a time I was nearing the ticket booth where these bunch of pigheaded train riders began to steal the scene. Out of nowhere, the two lines that are usually formed at the side I was at suddenly bore a line allowing those stubborn passengers to gain instant, nearer access to the station’s entrance kicking the unwritten official line.

This picture shows how the ruffians cut the line.

Of course, I was aware that they must be in hurry but we’re as desperate as them to be on time at work. The rule is simple for this situation supposedly: follow the line and wait for your turn. The exception is only awarded to pregnant women, disabled and the elderly. That’s why we, at the tail of the long line, chose to wait patiently for our turn despite the hustle. Instances like this are absolutely pestering; it makes me wish fervently that the pasted trait called PASSIVITY to the flash drive of Filipino Traits be erased. Somebody should have reprimanded the first violator of the rule for the benefit of more train riders.

“Some Basic Rules”

There are also other basic rules in riding the MRT that are deliberately or, safe to assume that, passengers simply don’t know of. These are rules that are, even though based on my experience again, befitting to all train riders.

First, girls should not and should never, unless they are strong enough, barge into the coach for males to avoid being mashed or badly hurt from the scramble that may occur once the train’s door opens. Please be informed that the segregation program has been implemented since April 2006 due to the hardships being experienced by female, elderly, and handicapped MRT riders during peak hours. It’s really pestering when girls, who don’t follow said rule, screams or complain when they are squashed by the bustle.

Second, talking loudly inside the train or in any other forms of public transport is a big NO NO. Most, if not all, of the passengers on board, don’t want to hear about the happenings of somebody else’s life so you might as well hold your conversations or lower the volume of your voice if you find talking irresistible. This applies to all sexes since we all have the propensities to talk as if we are in our houses when talking to somebody over the phone or the person/s sitting next to us.

Third, applies mostly to men especially the plus size and inconsiderate ones. Though it is natural for us to spread our legs open to the point of extending it into the next seat, it is a basic rule to close it when other passengers need the available space. Don’t wait for someone to give you that figurative spank.

Fourth, filling the gaps when coaches are jampacked. It has been a practice of most train riders to be insensitive towards the call; instead, they don’t move until apprehended by impassive persons. I used the word impassive because that’s the trait needed in times like this. Ironic, but true.

Last, every rider of the MRT should use the stairs if they are in a hurry or if taking a rest for a few seconds at the escalator is not part of their routine. That’s the logic behind the stairs leading to the Automatic Gates. Those were provided so people who are in a hurry can get where they need to get to [faster] without disturbing those who are at the escalator. I wish these passengers know how walking up and down the stairs can help them burn calories — to have a free exercise — so they would flurry on them too.

As long as we tolerate violators of these simple rules, the hope for the country’s progress will not loom over the horizon.

It will not hurt a muscle if we comply with simple rules like the ones for riding the train. I believe that such compliance has a ripple effect on the Filipino traits or values NEEDED for the progress that each of us aims.

Related articles/References:

• Another MRT Incident (worldofalbert.blogspot.com)
• You don’t deserve a seat! (tinaquynh.wordpress.com)
• [In the news] Youth group wants MRT, LRT student discounts – Nation – GMA News Online – Latest Philippine News (hronlineph.wordpress.com)
• Casiño: No need for MRT/LRT fare hike this year, subsidies retained for 2012 (jasminesantiago.wordpress.com)
• Discovering the Streets of Jakarta (amorydomesticdiva.wordpress.com)
• Moscow Metro to add more ticket vending machines (russianreport.wordpress.com)
• The Difference Between Bus Riders and Train Riders (theatlanticcities.com)