Daily Expenses – Public Transport vs Private own vehicle

Abstract blur traffic jam in bangkok city at Thailand – Filter effect

Before I can begin, let me point out that this blog is more of an experience and some facts coming from the experts I researched and quoted (as what they say and I believe on it) on the internet. And living in the Philippines my POV (point of view) may differ where your country lives in and that is my disclaimer.

Here in the Philippines, public commuting is always like an extra challenge, and for some it’s a nightmare that you don’t want to leave from the comfort of your home. Either in city or province travel, you wish there are other means of public transport. For example in the case coming from Bulacan (Santa Maria) to Manila (Ermita). Riding a tricycle from my home to the main road will cost me Php25 to Php30 (I usually pay Php30) then taking the bus going to Balintawak Quezon City (that will be my next stop) will cost me Php65 or Php70 depends on the bus company because on this date not all bus company have the same fare for the reason I don’t even know. Then from Balintawak I need to ride a train that costs Php30 from Balintawak station to Pedro Gil station. I can also get off at UN Ave station, which costs Php25 with a grand total of at least Php130 one way not to mentioned I’m not yet near to my office work, I still need to walk from Pedro Gil station it’s a 20 mins walk while in UN Ave station it’s a 15 to 20 mins walk. Add with traffic along the way, cramped people inside the bus and train , not to mention the worst scenario is the bus suddenly has a problem while in NLEX or the train suddenly has a technical issue but still has 5 or more stations to go before your destination station. If that happened you wish it’s all a bad dream but it’s not you need to move forward, well as they always say “That is life”.

An aerial shot of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)the train approaches Daly City Station, USA

It’s the same story having your own vehicle, car, van, suv, motorcycle or any type of vehicle it’s also an extra challenge because aside from the rising petroleum prices, traffic is taking its toll on your time, comfort and money. Not to mention other problems having to own a vehicle like parking (some parking are fixed rate while most are per hour with exaggerated fare), accidents (you can avoid and yet some kamote or pasaway driver comes along bump your vehicle or side scratch and run away), carnapping, and even jealous intent when someone scratches your beloved vehicle intentionally. Rising petroleum is not a joke but even with a vehicle that only consumes 1 liter for every 20 or so kilometers it is not a big help. I mean driving in the city especially in Manila, good luck to your fuel consumption. I cannot tackle much about private vehicles as I still prefer public transport to office work. But I had short experience because I once owned a car, now sometimes I rent a car when it’s necessary especially for a long ride or travel adventure or family outing.

Busy crowded traffic jam on the road

Having pointed out the problem, are there any advantages on either of the two? I mean for me, I started taking public transport at the age of 10 where the fare price was Php1.50 ($1 = Php25 at that time) and traffic only occurs on specific hours like rush hour or there is an accident. But comfort is not so much because most of the public vehicles are so old and rusty, you always have stains on your white dress. Capacity being overloaded, when like riding a jeepney the sitting capacity of 5 for an average person will need to squeeze for 6 persons side by side. And yes even in those early days life as a public commuter is terrible and far worse nowadays. Likewise for private vehicles back in the days, only the rich could afford a brand new car, middle class family or individual can only afford a second hand model (at least a 5 year old model) or a brand new owner type vehicle but the motor is still second hand. Nowadays anyone can afford a brand new vehicle, with the help of a bank loan, company loan or your family working abroad can lend you money, with zero down payment in almost all car dealerships. 

NEW YORK CITY – SEP 5: Times Square, featured with Broadway Theaters and animated LED signs, is a symbol of New York City and the United States, September 5, 2009 in Manhattan, New York City.

For me, progress in public transport and owning a private vehicle is for the worse not better. Only to those chosen few elite this progress has the advantage. But for common minimum to lower middle class family or individuals, well being resilient will take its toll for the near future. I hope that not one day and for the future, change in transportation improves for everybody. And somehow the gap of cost vs convenience is not that big. Traveling from home to work and vice versa will be a breeze and not time consuming.

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