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| City Guide - Manila - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public Transport Manila's public transport system is a supplement to its extensive (indeed, chaotic and proliferating) private transport operations and, such as it is, is administered by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), EDSA corner of Orense Street, Guadalupe Makati (tel: (02) 882 4150-77; e-mail: info@mmda.gov.ph; website: www.mmda.gov.ph). There is no unified transport pass, nor roving ticket schemes: the situation is far more like a free-for-all. The elevated Light Rail Transit (LRT) or Metrorail, completed in 1985, is Manila's fastest and most modern urban transport mechanism, but only covers a limited area. It runs 0430-2245 from Baclaran to Monumento along Taft Avenue in the south, and Rizal Avenue in the north, encompassing a total of 16 stations. The regular fare is P12. There is a reduced fare of just P3 when boarding Baclaran-bound trains at Quirino station or later, or Monumento-bound trains at Tayuman station or later. Pickpockets are a risk at peak hours and caution is advised. Manila is served by a plethora of large and small private bus companies. As a consequence, there are no uniform bus passes. Chief operations include DMTC, MMTC and JD. Local buses are useful for major roads, such as the EDSA, but are not allowed into most streets in the centre of town. Buses cost P4-P15 depending on destination and whether the bus is air-conditioned. The buses run from around 0500 until 2330 every day. Taxis Taxis, including the larger FX taxis that can fit between seven and ten people, can be flagged down from anywhere in the city. There are no taxi ranks except at the airport. Passengers should beware of being overcharged and only travel if the driver uses the meter. Reputable and trustworthy fleets include EMP (white taxis with yellow stripes) and R&E (yellow taxis with green stripes). The starting rate is P25 and then P2 every kilometre. Jeepneys Jeepneys run 24 hours a day and travel everywhere in the city. They are brightly coloured jeeps often outfitted with tassels and decorative horns and mirrors. The Philippine psyche on wheels, they are garish, chaotic, exuberant and decidedly insecure: a ride on them is a must as an educational experience, if not as a way of getting quickly and safely from A to B. The inexpensive jeepneys transport about one-third of the city's commuter traffic. The destination is displayed in the window or down the side of the vehicle and they can be hailed anywhere. The cost is between P4 and P10. Limousines Limousines can be hired from all the major hotels. Avis also provides a limousine service; hiring information is available at the airport (tel: (02) 832 2088). The fee for a limousine with driver is only slightly above the standard agency fee of P2500 per day. Driving in the City Driving conditions in Manila are notorious with heavy congestion and smog. Drivers in the Philippines are frequently aggressive and often disregard traffic regulations, especially regarding lane discipline, one-way streets and giving way to other drivers. They use their horns all the time. Parking is as much of a scramble as driving: visitors are advised to park at their hotel, although facilities are available at large shopping malls and major commercial districts like Makati and Ortigas. In order to reduce pollution, a congestion scheme banning cars from the capital is in effect 0700-1900 (those with number plates ending in 1 or 2 on Mondays, 3 or 4 on Tuesdays, and so on, with 9 or 0 banned on Fridays). Driving is not recommended for visitors; the risks are too high and jeepneys offer a far cheaper more characterful way of getting around, with drivers who can actually navigate the traffic madness. Car Hire Avis (tel: (02) 742 2871), Budget (tel: (02) 816 6682) and Hertz (tel: (02) 897 5151) are the most reliable providers. Minimum age is 25 years for these major chains (although many local companies will not insist) and the only required documentation is a valid international licence. Agencies should also furnish drivers with photocopies of the car registration papers and tax receipts. Rates are typically P2500 per day for an air-conditioned vehicle from the international chains; while local providers, such as JB Rent-A-Car (tel: (02) 526 6288) or KEI Transport (tel: (02) 524 6834) will provide similar cars for P1200-1300 per day. Cash rental requires a deposit, usually around 150% of the estimated rental fee. Bicycle & Scooter Hire Bicycles and scooters are available for hire in the Philippines, but due to the high risk of accidents, their use is not recommended. |
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