Common Modes of Transportation You Can Use to Travel in the Philippines

Travel in the Philippines The Philippines is known for having rich natural beauty in its many spectacular places, tropical climate, and rich biodiversity. The country is situated in Southeast Asia and is dependent on travel and tourism. It is also home to the world-renowned natural wonders like Rice Terraces and Underground River that are popular tourist destinations.

As being unrivalled in offering the widest range of things, it has enjoyed immense popularity to local and foreign tourists. However, like any other developing nation, the country transport system has become problematic, from traffic jams to aggressive drivers. That is why it is crucial to think twice before driving your car unless you intend to go around using your private vehicle.

In line with that, it is essential to know the different means of public transportation to go from place to place. According to a study, commuting is beneficial to the natural environment by reducing traffic congestion, reducing pollution, and fostering economic development. If you plan to travel in the Philippines, you should look for all the transport systems below for the best vacation you’ll ever have.

 

Pedicabs and Tricycles

Pedicabs are a pedal-generated vehicle with a passenger’s cab on its side, which can seat a maximum of 3 passengers. The fare may vary depending on the passenger’s destination.

On the other hand, tricycles are machine-operated vehicles in the Philippines that look like the auto-rickshaws in India and the tuk-tuks in other Asian countries. The fare also varies depending on the destination, difficulty of the ride, and the driver.

 

Jeepneys

The jeepney is the most popular vehicle on the Philippine roads, and it resembles the features of cars and buses with over-the-top decals and an open-air passenger area. It also serves as the cheapest and most accessible mode of transportation for the mass.

How to Ride the Jeepney

  • To make a jeepney stop for you to say the word “para” alight.
  • Pay directly to the drivers, ask for other passengers to pass your fare if needed.
  • Say your current location and destination, as well as the number of passengers you will pay.
  • Once you arrive at your destination, pull the string inside to signal the driver to stop.

 

Taxis

Taxis are one of the means of transportation in the country that use taximeters installed in the cabs to calculate passenger fares. Taxis can be yellow cabs mainly from the airport to any part of Luzon and white cabs from Metro Manila to neighbouring provinces. The fare depends on the time and distance of travel.

 

Buses to travel in the Philippines

Buses are a popular long-distance mode of transportation in the country, especially to large provinces and islands. Buses can be ordinary or air-conditioned. You should mind the labels indicating the name of routes or stop in front of the bus. Also, note that it is not advisable to take a bus ride during rush hours.

How to Ride the Bus

  • Get on board.
  • Secure a bus ticket from the designated conductor or tap your Beep Card in the payment space inside the bus.
  • Don’t forget to keep your ticket, because bus personnel may come to check for it for verification most of the time.
  • Failure to show your paid tickets might result in repayment.
  • Wait for your destination to be called. The driver or conductor will announce every stop.

 

How to Ride the Bus

  • Get on board.
  • Secure a bus ticket from the designated conductor or tap your Beep Card in the payment space inside the bus.
  • Don’t forget to keep your ticket, because bus personnel may come to check for it for verification most of the time.
  • Failure to show your paid tickets might result in repayment.
  • Wait for your destination to be called. The driver or conductor will announce every stop.

 

Trains (MRT and LRT)

Light Rail Transit System (LRT) is one of the practical modes of transportation in Metro Manila, was established to provide direct, cheaper, and faster means of transportation. LRT Lines 1 and 2 have a total of 29 stations.

On the other hand, Metro Rail Transit (MRT) has 13 stations within Metro Manila boarding from the northbound, the train travels through Quezon City and Pasay. And from the southbound, it starts from Taft to North Avenue.

LRT and MRT is still the most convenient and practical mode of transportation in the Philippines.

How to Ride the LRT and MRT Train

  • Secure a train ticket in the ticket counters or automated vending machines. Either a single journey or stored value ticket, you can opt to buy a reloadable card used for fare payments in both railways.
  • Enter the terminal and tap your card on the designated space to proceed to the platforms. Wait for the train to arrive.
  • Board the train and wait for your stop. The MRT and LRT personnel will announce every approaching station through the train speakers.
  • Once you arrive at your destination, insert the single journey ticket in the slot or tap the cards on the designated space at the exit turnstile.

 

Flights

Philippine Airlines (PAL), AirAsia Philippines, and Cebu Pacific are the country’s major local carriers. They are mainly used to travel in the Philippine islands aside from ferries. It can provide convenience to the passengers, but it tends to be the most expensive.

 

Ferries

RoRos (roll-on-roll-off) and other ferries are widely used for medium-haul routes in the ‘Nautical Highway’ to travel in the Philippines especially in the major islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Ferries are the best option for tourists driving in the Philippines because cars can be taken on board. To or from smaller islands, motor Banca, a small but fast seacraft, can be used.

 

Convenient Transportation Apps You Can Use to Travel in the Philippines

Transportation apps are essential for urban mobility. This digital resolution helps the transportation and logistic industry of the Philippines. Its custom features make the process of looking for a vehicle more convenient, accessible, safer, and straightforward.

Below are the well-recognized transportation apps in the country:

Grab

Grab is the most popular mobile application ride service in the Philippines that offers private car bookings and carpooling. The app transfigured the need for convenience of calling for a private vehicle. It is the safest, most convenient, and most reliable transportation service provider known in the country. Available on Apple and Android devices.

Angkas

Angkas is the most convenient option during a terrible commute climate, especially for those in a significant hurry. According to the app reviews, Angkas is a commendable app based in the Philippines to assure safety and comfort. Even it has received a lot of complaints because of the app’s interface due to technical issues.

Hype

Hype is a TNVS app based in the Philippines that, compared to Grab, is cheaper in fare. It works without a data connection because the system allows riders to book via SMS. Users just have to text their location, drop-off point, and vehicle type they prefer to book.

Owto

This app was released last May 2018. It is a local service provider that can be the best alternative for Grab. It is way cheaper and passenger-friendly but high quality than any other company. And to ensure the safety of its drivers and riders, the app has developed a unique feature. It imposes that drivers should install front and back cameras to record the trip and use it as evidence in complaints.

Owto caters services in Metro Manila, along with some parts in Rizal, Bulacan, and Cavite.

Hirna

A Davao-based homegrown taxi-hailing app developed by Avis Philippines and Metro Davao Taxi Association.

Go Lag

Go Lag, from the original name “Go Laguna”, is a rent-a-car app provider. It guarantees a lower charge than any other existing company in the industry. Driver’s cancellation of bookings is also not allowed for the convenience of the riders.

MiCab

MiCab is a transportation service provider and has the largest scope in the country. It was launched in Cebu. A taximeter is used to determine the amount of fare per ride.

U-Hop

U-Hop offers transportation services like sedans, taxis, and SUVs. It also provides car rental and corporate transport services.

Travel in the Philippines

 

Travel and Tourism in the Philippines

Endowed with the rich natural resources and diversity of attractions, the Philippines became resilient and sustainable in travel and tourism. In the Philippines, the government is vigilant in ensuring security, public order, and safety. Aside from attraction, assurance and accountability, Filipinos’ hospitality and warmth are the reason for you to visit the country.

What are you waiting for? Hop on a ride and witness the sheer beauty of the Philippines.