Tips for Jeepney travel in the Philippines

Riding a jeepney is actually very easy but the thought made me realize if it’s also simple from a foreigner’s point of view. I bet it isn’t. When I travel, I make sure that I have done my research on the place where I intend to visit before embarking. The first thing I usually check is the mode of transportation how do people get from one place to the other without taking a cab. I still believe that the best way to explore a certain place would be on foot or by trying to be like the locals. I also procure a list of the places worth visiting and restaurants to splurge on food. I really think that’s a must.

It is frustrating to learn that with the advent of technology, the Philippines still doesn’t have a detailed map of the streets of Manila posted on the web. I have seen some but it only includes the main highways of Metro Manila and the Central Business District in Makati, not on places like Sampaloc, Manila where the streets are tangled up like cobwebs. Google map can’t be viewed with street maps and concrete directions as compared to other countries. A good one with a timetable is very useful for anyone who intends to go around the Metro.

The chrome-plated jeepneys or jeep are the most popular, common and cheapest means of transportation in the Philippines. They have existed right after the Second World War, from the equipments left by the U.S Army and have undergone modifications to suit the Filipino culture.

Here are some the basic information about riding the jeepney as needed by a first-time traveler in Manila:

First: One needs to know his or her destination. If one intends to go to Quiapo, then look for jeepneys bound for Quiapo.

The signboards made of thin metals or thick plastics with the letters painted on it are placed on the windshield, and tells you the destination of each jeepney. The route can be seen on the sides of the jeepneys like Cubao Quiapo or Pasig to Divisoria. Normally, the destinations include not only street names but also landmarks like city hall, agencies or malls.

Second: Hail the jeepney anywhere. Yes, sad but true. We can hail the jeep anytime except in the middle of EDSA Cubao and the drivers would be very willing to stop for you, though a sign up there just right beside you says no loading and unloading’. Well, it’s just a sign and people have already mastered how to ignore it. But then, if you’re wise enough then hail the jeepneys in proper places. I’ve been doing this but the problem is,