Sep 18th, 2009 by Mang Parfum
Good Manners and Right Commuting # 3
Everywhere you go, commuting always involves its simplest mode, walking. Whether you need to cross via pedestrian lanes, go up the MMDA footbridges (the blue-and-pinks) or use the escalators to lead you to rail transit stations, you need to stretch your legs and work them out in order to get from one point to another.
Unlike some neighboring countries (Singapore or Hong Kong) who have been under the British rule, you always keep to your right when walking. With the conceptualization of the left-hand or right-hand drive, keeping to the opposite sides when walking has also been implemented—that is, right for left-hand drive and left for right-hand drive.
However, this rule may not be applicable to the use of escalators. International standards dictate that you keep to your right if you are not in a hurry. The left side is reserved for those who need to “stair” their way on the escalator.
GMRC # 3: Manatili sa kanang bahagi ng daanan (mapa-bangketa man, hagdan, o escalator). Learn to keep right, or the other right in the unique case of escalator use.
Tags: blue-and-pink, British rule, Commuter's Etiquette, escalators, GMRC, good manners and right commuting, Hong Kong, keep left in escalators, keep right, left for right-hand drive, left-hand drive, magandang asal sa pagcommute, Manatili sa kanang bahagi ng daanan, MMDA footbridges, paggalang sa commute, pedestrian lanes, rail transit station, right for left-hand drive, right-hand drive, Singapore, stretch your legs, unique case of escalator use, walk, walking, work your legs out
Posted in CommutEtiquette | 1 Comment »
Jul 15th, 2009 by Papa Cologne
Good Manners and Right Commuting # 2
This GMRC is all about getting the vehicle to stop. Whether to get on or get off, you have to wait till the jeep, bus, fx, trike, or taxi to stop before you can get on or off safely.
The Magic Word
In this case here, the word is “para.” Which could also mean “for” in Filipino. Anyway, in commuting it means stop. There are many variations to para, such as “tabi lang” or “kanto lang.” Clicking your tongue, whistling, or knocking on the roof does the trick as well, but a lot of drivers find that rather rude.
The Way
Ok, so now you know what to say to make the ride stop. Thing is, when you’re stressed out (as commuters usually are), you tend to forget this. I’ve seen many people scream “Bayad po!!” in an attempt to para.
Here are some stuff you should remember:
- Physics – Inertia, momentum, gravity, and friction are your worst enemies. Always remember that the vehicle takes a while to go to full stop when it’s running. Estimate the vehicle’s speed relative to where you want to get off. It’s simple once you get the hang of it.
- Know the law – We have to quote Yano here, you just can’t get off at no unloading zones. Drivers usually bend this rule when no MMDA is present, but be a responsible commuter and just don’t do it.
- Advanced notification and landmarks help – If you’re getting off a street corner, it’s usually nice to tell the driver you need to get off there so he gets to slow down.
GMRC # 2: Wag pumara ng basta-basta. Respect the law of the road, and the laws of physics.
Tags: Flag, Para, para sa tabi, stop jeepney, Tabi lang po
Posted in CommutEtiquette | 4 Comments »
Jun 26th, 2009 by Papa Cologne
Good Manners and Right Commuting # 1
The most important thing for a commuter to remember is to pay the fare. The last thing public transport operators want are 1-2-3 kids. Commuters will notice that drivers actually invest in signs that remind passengers to pay their fare.
There are various ways of paying the fare. Buses have conductors that go around to get your money, you buy a ticket before entering the train station, and at jeepneys, here’s the clincher right here, you either directly hand it over to the driver, or you POLITELY ask your seatmate to pass it on for you.
We here at The Professional Commuter understand that it is not anyone’s obligation to hand over the fare of anyone else. So the “payee” should ask nicely. Many commuters have forgotten the fact that they are asking fellow passengers for a favor when handing over their fare. For example, if the person is obviously trying to get his purse out to pay his fare, do not be insensitive by rudely passing yours right away. It’s just wrong.
However, there are people who exploit the fact that it’s not anyone’s obligation to do so by completely ignoring the polite passenger trying to get his fare across. (I’m not generalizing here, but middle-aged women tend to do this ignore trick often. Oops, there I go generalizing.) So there, if for any reason you find yourself having to hand over someone else’s fare, just do it. And if you hate it so much, do not sit so near the driver.
GMRC # 1: Always pay the fare. And try to help (read: do not ignore) others who are trying to get their fare across.
Tags: Commuter's Etiquette, GMRC, good manners and right commuting, paggalang sa commute
Posted in CommutEtiquette | 8 Comments »
