The Spoiled Commuter

Is there such a thing as a spoiled commuter? Yes there is, and it is the Filipino commuter.

But why, you must now be asking yourself.

Consider:

• The Filipino commuter is able to catch a ride anywhere, to any place, any time. Be it a taxi to Libis, or a shuttle to Alabang. Need a ride to SIngalong? Take a jeepney! Then there are the buses plying their routes along EDSA everyday. Tricycles and pedicabs bring commuters door to door as well, like personalized valet services.


• The Filipino commuter can stop anywhere he likes. Say "Para!" and the driver will very kindly stop for you -- right then and there! If the driver does not hear it the first time, the louder and more insistent "Para sabi e!" will surely do the trick. Never mind that the vehicle is in the middle lane of a busy thoroughfare at rush hour; like a genie in a bottle, your wish is his command. Designated stops are mere suggestions, and not musts.


• The Filipino commuter can whip out a 100- (or even 500 or 1000) peso bill early in the morning and expect the bus/jeepney/taxi/tricycle/pedicab driver to have exact change for it. What, no change?! The nerve of the driver, trying to hoodwink the commuter by saying so! Why take on passengers at all if they have no change?


• The Filipino commuter has been known to tell off drivers who are being maddeningly slow or for being frighteningly fast. Either way, the commuters have back-seat driving down to an art.


• The Filipino commuter has specific tastes in music, and will not hesitate to ask the driver to change the radio dial to a more suitable station. No complaints from the driver will be tolerated.


• The Filipino jeepney commuter will not tolerate getting wet by rain. The driver (usually umbrella-less) must alight amidst the bone-chilling downpour to roll down the trapal for his hapless riders who are all waiting for him to save their precious backs from being drenched.

The Filipino commuter abides by the motto "The customer is always right."