A country’s public transportation system is more than just a means to get from one place to another. It’s a reflection of a country’s governance, discipline, and public values. In the Philippines, public transport has long been a daily battleground for the average car-less commuter.
There’s a lot of examples we can relate to as we make our way to work or school. From squeezing into overloaded jeepneys to dodging long queues for buses and MRTs, Filipinos have developed a resilience and sense of humour around what others might see as a frustrating ordeal.
When compared to the rest of the world, the Philippines’ public transport culture reveals stark differences. And I am not talking just in infrastructure, but in government support, passenger behavior, and commuter expectations.
This article takes a closer look at how the Philippines stacks up with the rest of the world and what we can learn from other countries.
Commuter discipline: A daily musical chairs experience
Philippines
Commuting in Metro Manila is often described as chaotic. From jaywalking to cutting lines, the lack of discipline among some commuters and drivers leads to delays and accidents. We understand the need to get to our destinations in time, and escape that perpetual accusation that we patronize Filipino time as we arrive late at our appointments.
Jeepneys stop anywhere to pick up passengers; motorcycle riders weave through traffic at will. Despite existing regulations, enforcement is inconsistent. Boarding the bus is a free-for-all experience reminiscent of the parlor game that players scramble to secure a chair or lose out on a prize.
Elsewhere
In countries like Japan, orderliness is ingrained in public transport culture. People queue silently, avoid phone calls in transit, and give up seats for elderly or pregnant passengers without being asked.
Singapore imposes strict fines for eating, littering, or vandalising on public trains. Even chewing gum is regulated to keep things tidy.
The main difference between the Philippines and other countries when it comes to commuter discipline is the lack of orderly queuing and adherence to traffic rules among both commuters and drivers. Many Filipinos are willing doers of goodwill. However, this may be considered an exception rather than the norm.
In contrast, many countries strictly enforce public transport protocols, resulting in more efficient and respectful commuting experiences.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
Philippines
The public transport system is fragmented—jeepneys, tricycles, UV Express vans, buses, MRT/LRT lines—each with varying degrees of accessibility, safety, and efficiency. Many stations are not wheelchair-friendly, and routes lack digital integration. Long waits, unpredictable arrivals, and poorly maintained vehicles are part of the norm.
Elsewhere
Unlike the Philippines, where infrastructure and accessibility can be inconsistent and underdeveloped, countries like South Korea, Germany, and Hong Kong offer highly efficient and integrated systems.
Seoul’s transport is supported by real-time apps and modern stations, Germany’s Deutsche Bahn maintains strict schedules with accountability for delays, and Hong Kong’s Octopus Card enables seamless travel and daily transactions.
These systems highlight the contrast in planning, technology, and user convenience compared to the Philippine experience.
The Philippines often struggles with outdated infrastructure and limited accessibility, especially in rural and congested urban areas. Many other countries invest in modern, inclusive infrastructure that prioritises accessibility for people with disabilities, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Transport Worker Treatment and Professionalism
Philippines
Many jeepney and bus drivers are informal workers with no regular wages, health benefits, or proper training. They rely on boundary systems, leading to reckless driving as they compete for passengers. Strikes, such as the 2023 PUV Modernization protests, stemmed from fear of losing livelihood.
Elsewhere
In contrast to the Philippines, where transport workers often face long hours, low pay, and limited job security, countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada prioritise worker welfare and professionalism.
UK transport operators receive salaries, rest periods, and safety training, Australian drivers are rigorously licensed and certified, and Canadian transit workers are supported by unions that uphold their rights and working conditions. These measures contribute to safer, more reliable, and more respectful public transport systems.
Incidents that Show Cultural Contrasts
Philippines
In 2019, an MRT train broke down mid-track, and passengers had to walk along the rail lines to get to the station. While alarming, many took selfies and cracked jokes, a clear testament to the Filipino fatalistic “bahala na” attitude.
There are videos that show people riding on top of jeepneys or clinging to sides of overloaded buses, often dismissed as a novelty in provinces and can be interpreted as symbol of Filipino resilience and fighting spirit.
Elsewhere
While countries like Japan, France, and Sweden reflect cultural norms of punctuality, transparency, and accountability in their transport systems, Filipino commuters often show resilience and adaptability in the face of delays, overcrowding, or sudden route changes.
Unlike Japan’s formal apologies for minor delays or France’s organised strike notices, Filipinos navigate disruptions with humour, patience, and a strong sense of community—highlighting a cultural identity rooted in resourcefulness and bayanihan (shared support).
Digital Integration and Innovation
Philippines
Only recently has there been an uptick in digital transport tools. The Beep Card system works across some rail lines and buses, but adoption remains patchy. Route planning apps like Sakay.ph help commuters, but traffic unpredictability limits their effectiveness.
Compared to the Philippines, where public transport systems still rely heavily on cash payments and lack digital integration, countries like China and the Netherlands lead in innovation.
China’s transport is closely tied to multifunctional apps like WeChat and Alipay, while the Netherlands’ OV-chipkaart offers a unified, cashless travel experience nationwide—showcasing how technology can enhance efficiency and convenience in daily commuting.
Safety and Gender Sensitivity
Philippines
Incidents of sexual harassment in public vehicles are still common. While there are efforts like the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313), women still report feeling unsafe, especially during rush hours or in dimly lit terminals.
Elsewhere
While the Philippines has made some efforts toward safer commuting, it still lacks consistent measures addressing gender-based concerns in public transport. In contrast, countries like India, Sweden, Taiwan, and Japan have implemented gender-sensitive solutions—ranging from women-only train cars and bus seats to improved lighting and thoughtful transit design—to create safer, more inclusive environments for female passengers.
Commuter Voice and Public Dialogue
Philippines
Filipinos often take to social media to air grievances about transport—traffic, delays, fare hikes. However, feedback rarely leads to immediate change. Efforts like the LTFRB’s complaint hotline and online consultations are steps forward but are not always followed through.
In the Philippines, commuters often have limited channels to influence public transport policies or improvements.
Elsewhere
In countries like New Zealand and Germany actively involve citizens—through public hearings and transparent budget access—in shaping transit systems, ensuring that commuter voices are heard and integrated into planning and decision-making.
What Can We Learn?
It’s not just about having modern trains or digital cards—it’s about respect for public space, discipline, and accountability. The Philippines has a rich transport culture rooted in resilience, but there’s a pressing need to modernise both systems and mindsets.
Filipino commuters deserve better, and progress will require a multi-layered approach. This includes strict enforcement of existing laws like RA 4136 and the Safe Spaces Act to ensure safety and order, along with significant investment in modern, inclusive infrastructure.
Equally important is the empowerment and fair treatment of transport workers, as well as fostering public cooperation and a cultural shift towards discipline, accountability, and respect for shared spaces.
As other countries have shown, a clean, safe, and reliable public transport system is possible, not just for tourists or the wealthy, but for the everyday worker, student, and senior. The path ahead may be bumpy, but with the right direction, the Philippines can ride toward a more efficient and dignified transport future.