The Price of Commuting and Flying: A Daily Struggle That Demands a Nation's Redesign

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a nation that boasts of growth and modernization, the lived reality of everyday commuters and travelers tells a very different story—one of fatigue, frustration, and being forced to choose between danger, discomfort, or financial burden.

I barely use the bus carousel or MRT/LRT anymore—because every ride feels like a test of patience and endurance. What should be a straightforward trip becomes a draining ordeal: long, sweaty walks; endless stairs and footbridges; poorly designed entrances and exits; and stations that are packed to the brim. For persons with disabilities and our elderly? These conditions are not just inconvenient—they’re inhumane.

Ride-hailing apps like Grab? Unreasonably expensive. Motorcycle taxis like Angkas? Fast, yes—but risky, and completely unsafe for seniors or PWDs.

But the struggle doesn’t end on the ground—it extends all the way to our airports.

Airports: The Gateway to the Nation—or the Gauntlet of Disconnection?

Air travel, which should be a smooth transition from land to air, is anything but. Getting to our airports—especially NAIA—is a logistical nightmare. There are no efficient, affordable, and direct public transportation options that seamlessly connect major train lines and bus routes to our terminals. You either risk being overcharged by taxis, pray for a reliable ride-hailing driver, or drag your luggage through endless stretches of sidewalk-less roads and pedestrian-unfriendly overpasses.

Worse, our airports—often hailed as "gateways to tourism"—still suffer from poor planning, lack of accessibility features, minimal interconnectivity with nearby transport hubs, and weak enforcement against abusive or overpriced transport services.

This isn’t just a tourism issue. It’s a national shame.

Real Progress: When People Choose Public Transport Over Private Cars

True development is not about building more highways or adding more bus stops—it’s about creating a system that even car owners would willingly use because it’s efficient, safe, affordable, and dignified.

But how do we get there?

1. Bring Back and Beautify the Sidewalks

Sidewalks are supposed to be the foundation of a walkable, connected city. Yet ours are either too narrow, blocked by vendors and illegally parked cars, or just plain missing. And while sidewalk clearing operations make temporary progress, these obstructions always return.

We need permanent, well-maintained, and protected walkways—covered sidewalks that shield pedestrians from rain and scorching heat, free of obstructions, and designed to accommodate everyone. Let’s make every sidewalk look and function like those in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), where pedestrians aren’t second-class citizens.

2. Integrate and Interconnect All Public Transport Systems—Including to Airports

Every mode of public transport—whether MRT, LRT, PNR, EDSA Carousel, buses, or jeeps—must be connected seamlessly. That means no more long, uncovered walks between stations. No more guesswork or confusion on how to transfer to the next ride.

And yes—this integration must include our airports.

Every major airport terminal should be linked directly to train and bus networks via covered walkways, airport shuttle loops, or dedicated lines. Passengers shouldn’t have to beg for a Grab ride or walk kilometers dragging heavy luggage. From the moment you step out of your home to the time you board your flight, the experience should be cohesive, convenient, and commuter-friendly.

3. Prioritize People Over Cars

Urban design must finally shift its focus. Our streets and cities have long been dominated by the private vehicle—taking space away from sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus lanes. But a modern, people-centered nation builds for its citizens—not just for its cars.

Accessible transportation is a matter of social justice. It empowers the working class, the elderly, the disabled, and the marginalized. It strengthens tourism, improves productivity, and elevates our global image.

This is Our Right—Not a Luxury

Every Filipino deserves to commute and travel in peace, safety, and comfort. We shouldn't have to endure a system that punishes the poor, sidelines the weak, and frustrates the rest.

True progress will come not when we build more, but when we build better.

When a mother can take her child to school without fear of falling on crumbling sidewalks.

When a senior can ride to the hospital without enduring stairs and chaos.

When a traveler can catch a flight without praying for an honest ride.

And when every citizen—rich or poor—chooses public transport, not because they have no choice, but because it is finally the best choice.

That is the nation we deserve. That is the future we must demand.

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