MRT & LRT
The Metro Railway Transit and Light Railway Transit are the equivalent of subways in other countries. Due to the stormy nature of the Philippines, subways are logically a bad idea. The MRT/LRT can get rather crowded during rush time and currently has approximately the same fare as using road-based transport.
HOW TO RIDE THE MRT/LRT
STEP 1
Line up
Line up at the cashier. The fares per station are usually displayed on the window.
Choose between single-journey and stored-value.
Prepare your fare before hand.
TIP 1
One time or forever?
If you chose stored-value or if your stored-value card still had some remaining balance, skip step 2.
As of 2015, the new beep cards act as stored value cards that can be used for LRT 1 & 2, & MRT 3.
STEP 2
Get a card
Applicable to single journey cards only: Tell the cashier your stop, pay and get your card. (Don’t forget to get the card or your change.)
STEP 3
You shall pass!
Go to the terminals and insert your card. Don’t leave it there, you should get it back!
STEP 4
Line up at the brackets
If lines are vague, stand relatively where everyone else is. Sometimes lines don’t form at all, specially during rush hour so just stand there and try not to lose your spot!
TIP 2
Stay at the side
When boarding, it is generally a good idea to stand at the sides of the doors. This allows people who are getting off to alight easily and also lets you get to the seats faster.
During rush hour, take this a notch higher: stick as close as possible to the door.
STEP 5
The seating race
Get on and find a seat. During rush hour, this is a race.
If none, find a place to stand that is relatively comfortable. Generally, standing near the doors lets you get off faster if your stop is not far.
STEP 6
Hey look, listen!
Listen to the announcer for the next stop. When in doubt, check the back of your card for the map. During rush hour, once you hear this, try to start moving towards a door.
STEP 7
Time to leave
Get down at your station. Insert the card in the terminal and proceed. If you chose a single journey card, just continue. If you chose stored-value you should be able to get it back if it still has balance left.
STEP 8
The signs!
There will be signs pointing you to your exit. If you’re not sure which way to go, the security guards are willing to help.
TIP 3
Foooood!
A lot of stations have food stalls in them. Go grab something to munch on.
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