Crab Mentality

Traffic flow in the Philippines is getting worse. They say this is a third world country. Be that as it may, we still have a lot of private cars in the streets. Other developing countries, strive to improve their transportation system because flow of traffic is always connected with progress. What are we doing?

Public transportation like jeepneys, taxi cabs, tricycles, colorum vans, buses, LRT lines 1 and 2 are often jam packed. All these modes except LRT are all crowding in our streets disrespecting each other just to reach their quota or get lots of passengers. What is their main concern? Their passengers welfare or money?

Amongst all the modes of transportation mentioned, taxi cabs are the most convenient of them all and at the same time, the most expensive of them all. This is because you sit there conveniently while going about your business because you technically have a chauffer. You just give the driver your destination, and voila, you are there. That is if your driver is honest and will not circle around the city to keep your meter running and if the cab is clean and airconditioning is working properly. Are they?

Transport Network Vehicle Services has found a work around this problem. Taking from other countries’ strategy in providing safe, convenient and efficient way of commuting, private car owners were allowed to drive anybody anywhere they want to be. For me, this helps in making private cars on the streets useful instead of becoming additional traffic volume. Do you agree?

I have been driving since I was 16 years old. This was when I started to curse severely. I learned how to adapt to the driving skills of the jeepney and taxi drivers. Just like any new driver, I loved the feeling of driving around, going anywhere I want to be without the driver telling my parents that I went to the mall instead of going to school. I drove when I was in college. I also drove when I was working. Then the traffic story did not improve and instead worsened ten times from the first time I learned how to drive. I realized I wanted and needed a driver. But a driver is too expensive and will still restrict my whereabouts. So the next best thing was Grab Car or Uber. Of which both I am a subscriber. I am very happy with their services. The cars are new and clean. I think because the requirement in order to be a driver-partner of Uber is, your car model should be 2011 and up. The drivers are very well groomed and do not cheat you by tampering the meters or going to traffic-heavy areas.

Then a TRO was issued against LTFRB and DOTC to stop operations of Uber and Grab Car. The only way I will appreciate the TRO is when the taxi cab drivers become honest, improve their vehicles and clean themselves up. Apart from trying to stop the operations of Grab Car and Uber, they are also trying to stop accepting, processing and approving of new applications. Personally, this again is a concern. A month ago, I was planning to enroll my vehicle for Uber and get a driver so while my car earns, I have a driver who can drive for me.

I understand why certain groups of public transportation drivers filed for a restraining order. I understand that they are suffering less or low income because of TNVS. But what I do not understand is, why they cannot improve their services. And instead of developing their services in order to be competitive, they try to stop something that is proven safe, effective and convenient. Are they the only ones allowed to earn? Should they monopolize the transport system? Will this help them improve themselves? How I see it? This is crab mentality at its finest.