TRANSPORT OPTIONS IN PHILIPPINES

You might be wondering what riding a city bus looks like. Since it doesn’t have fixed schedules, you need to patiently wait for the bus to pass by the roadside or arrive at the bus stop.

Before Covid-19, cash was the only method of payment used in a city bus. The bus conductor will ask your payment for the fare as the bus starts to hit the road.

City buses in the Philippines, including provincial and point-to-point buses, do not accept credit or debit card payments. Use cash and Beep Cards instead. Beep cards are reloadable and contactless prepaid cards that can be used to pay fares for trains and all types of buses in the Philippines.

Where to buy these cards? Grab them in the 44 train stations in LRT and MRT lines. Top-up or reload in Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) in train stations, Family Mart, and Ministop convenience stores in Metro Manila. You can have it through Coins.ph app too.

When traveling by an ordinary bus in the Philippines, be prepared to get dusty and damp. Bring a face towel or wet wipes and a bottle of water during daytime travel,because it can get really hot. Ordinary buses are often outdated, have narrow, uncomfortable seats, non- air conditioned, and are mostly overloaded.

Although most buses in the Philippines do not have toilets and power sockets, they usually stop around every 3 hours for bathroom breaks and buying snacks. Ordinary buses in the Philippines are ideal for individuals who want a more economical distance travel.

Note: When riding an ordinary bus in the Philippines, always keep an eye on the bus, as it stops for restroom breaks, so that you won’t be left alone by the roadside.

If you look forward to riding a provincial bus in the Philippines, be sure to know the bus departure schedules of the different terminals. For a fully-planned and longer trip by bus on Philippine holidays, buy your tickets at least one week in advance at the bus terminal to reserve seats ahead of time.

Be a chance passenger otherwise, and purchase a bus ticket straight from the bus conductor or at the counter on the day of the trip. Know the exact location of the bus terminal or bus stop by visiting the nearest available tourism center or asking the local people for assistance. You may also check the bus operator’s Facebook page or website the day before your planned trip to be informed about their departure schedule.

Note: Facebook is commonly used in marketing these days. Many businesses, including bus companies, post updates and recent infos on this social media platform.

Here’s another thing. Take notice of the time! When planning to ride a provincial bus in the Philippines, arrive at least one hour before your scheduled departure at the bus stop or terminal. Save yourself from the inconvenience by calling the bus company to confirm the correct schedule and terminal assignments.

These details frequently change without prior notice. Having a different terminal for every arrival destination can sometimes be confusing especially for foreign travelers like you. So, it pays to check these essential information ahead of time.

When the destination is pretty close, prepare your things. Most public buses in the Philippines stop by the road and on unofficial terminals or main hubs at a very limited time. Request the bus conductor to help you out with your luggage in the compartment, quickly get off the bus, and keep attention on the traffic.

Note: Public buses in the Philippines usually leave as soon as they are full.