I ride a jeepney from Manila to Marikina to go to work and in going home. Truth be told I no longer find traveling to work tedious or dull. These days, I find it terrifying, unhygienic, unhealthy.
Simply put, jeepney drivers are generally irresponsible and reckless. Once, I and several passengers were asked to disembark at the corner of Cordillera Street along E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City because, the driver told us, “may nanghuhuli kasi.” He returned our fares. On another occasion, our driver decided not to continue the trip because we were very few passengers. I suspect those drivers didn’t have a driver’s license.
Also, some jeepney drivers engage in racing along E. Rodriguez Avenue. Passengers have to hold on tight to the jeepneys’ safety handrails to avoid getting tossed and hurt during sudden breaks.
And at Edsa corner Main Street in Cubao, one can smell the stench of urine. Many of us passengers have to use a mask to avoid inhaling the unpleasant odor.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, assistant city council secretary, Marikina City