Friday, February 18, 2011

Bus drivers should be given FIXED salary. When will the Gov't listen?

Give bus drivers fixed salary = lessen Metro Manila accidents and lessen traffic

Shanghai, China ( Source )
Have you been to Shanghai? Hong Kong? Japan? or any other developed countries? If yes, you would have known how convenient it is to use their public transport. If they are developed countries and we are developing, shouldn't we follow some of the effective things they did? It's a way for us to develop faster, rather than experiment on our own. Why not learn from the mistakes of others and pick up the lessons?

I don't know the exact percentage but a majority of the bus lines here in Manila uses the boundary system.

What's a boundary system? Allow me to quote a fellow blogger:

You put a driver behind the wheel and you tell him his earnings will depend on the number of passengers he picks up. You also make sure he knows there are other drivers like him on the same route who are also out to get as many passengers as they can. Imagine how all of that sets up the driver. (Source: www.betterphilippines.com - Article: It's the boundary system, stupid. )
Using photos I got from the Twitter, I will tell you why those bus drivers need fixed salary.

    They are not discplined
From what you can see, it is obvious that the bus wanted to get ahead rather than letting the turning van pass. Being undisciplined, the bus driver exhibited the selfish attitude of "ako muna" (me first). This is usually the cause of accidents whether by public or private motorists, but these scenarios happen more on public vehicles because they want to pick-up passengers to increase their earnings.

Bus companies should start treating their bus drivers as employees. What should they be entitled to? Fixed salary and training among others. Train them to be disciplined! It's your property that they are driving, not theirs so they don't care how they drive or if they hit others.

    They are causing traffic
Why do you think they want to get ahead of each other? By doing such PLUS not using their brains, they cause traffic. See the actual sample above. See how all those buses cause traffic? Accident or no accident, this is a normal occurrence, usually in EDSA. One bus turning to the left or the right will immediately use up 3 lanes. If they have fixed salary, this will be lessened.

    They think they are right (no pun intended)
2 different angles here. Looking at the photo itself, either of them could be wrong. But remember, the right-most lane has streets and establishments. The 2 cars might have come from there and this is the only way to get back in the correct lane. (Some major roads in Manila have designated bus lanes. If you see the double yellow lane in the image above, only public utility vehicles may use those 2 right most lanes.)

If you ask me who's the wrong one here, I can tell you it's the bus. Yes, the car might be on a double-lined yellow lane. Yes, the car might be really pushy and wanted to go in the correct lane.. BUT look, what is the bus doing in the private lane? AND LOOK, why is the bus occupying the middle of the 3 lanes for the private motorists? This denotes one thing. The bus driver doesn't want to give way. By not giving way, he causes the vehicle next to him to move out to the left most lane, which may cause another accident.

   They are using their size to intimidate motorists
I understand the need to giveaway to public transport because they carry far more passengers from one point to the other versus private motorists BUT there is a right way to do it. Do you think blocking all the lanes is the right way? Well, they don't care and as long as they are big, they can scare off other motorists.

Again, why? Of course. To get passengers. Lucky us if he did stop at the right most lane to get passengers. Some of them even stop like that, in the middle of the road to pickup passengers.


    Overtaking other buses
See how jam-packed the yellow lane is? It's like a parking lot for buses! What do other bus drivers do? Overtake using the private lane and cut in line in front of the other buses. I bet you that a lot of those buses aren't even full. It only means one thing -- over issuance of franchise transport. Someone should study the maximum number of buses that can ply the EDSA route and cancel some of the franchises issued. This will definitely reduce traffic.

Do you sense the common causes of their mistakes? Scampering.for.passengers.

    They think it's a playground
What are you? actors in fast and the furious? (credit Hannah for this comment)

Using EDSA, as a race track and causing accidents? At the end, they'll say that they didn't mean to cause the accident, sorry, blah blah blah. What the hell are you driving so fast for? Don't they know how many tons of solid metal they are maneuvering and they go speed up like insane drivers?

Want more evidence?
Freak accident killing the eye doctor, Dr. Sarabia
Bus slams into a Revo in NLEx

The above links are only 2 of the blog articles I made before regarding those speeding killer buses ( bus crashes into another bus ). If I will make an entire blog featuring bus accidents, maybe I can even post more than 1 article a day just for that topic!

    Double standard
Why apprehend private motorists when they go in the yellow lane and not apprehend buses when they get into our lane? As simple as that -- double standard (I know MMDA already improved a lot but still, paging MMDA regarding this matter)

    Unmaintained buses
I don't know the exact cause of this accident but basing it from the photo (It looks like it's raining), it reminds me of one thing -- Unmaintained buses. First, we import a lot of pre-owned buses from Japan and Korea. (One man's trash is another's treasure) Given that, bus companies should be responsible enough to know how to maintain age-old buses.

Unmaintained buses poses danger to everyone. Usual problem? brakes not working, ending up in an accident that kills/ hurts passengers (Brake failure kills 40). They also add to the smoke pollution problem in our country. There are more reasons and this is because some companies are scrimping on the maintenance to earn more.

(Photo Source)
If bus companies give those bus drivers fixed salary, bus drivers will take care of the buses more because as an employee, if they damage something, it comes out from their pay check. As employees, they are entitled to training to fuel their growth and hoping that they will be more disciplined. Our government should impose this because bus operators won't.

If you have another reason on why it is traffic in Metro Manila, share them to us on this Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/BakitTraffic
They will upload all submitted photos to: http://bakittraffic.blogspot.com/


Other interesting article to read:
It's the boundary system, stupid.
MMDA should follow Melbourne Australia
Another source of traffic: JEEPNEYS!

Most images came from MMDA's twitter account.

Just some thoughts,
Cheftonio

93 comments:

Roy said...

nadadamay mga pasahero, kawawa talaga. wala kasing disiplina mga bus driver na yan.

themanda said...

The other photo was just the accident early this AM. was in the area.

Vic said...

sila talaga ang sanhi ng trapiko!

frederic said...

If they fix our transport system, hindi na ako magmamaneho

Anonymous said...

i agree dapat nga gawin nalang sila fixed salary, dami ko nakikita ganyan na bus na nakaharang, and gusto ko lang po magcomment regarding dun sa five star na bus photo provincial busses are not allowed inside the yellow lane if im not mistaken

tony said...

mr mmda tolentino. 2011 pa tong blog na to. wala namang pinagbago. ayusin nyo muna eto bago magmagaling at gumawa ng kung ano ano

Don Trivino said...

kung gagawing swelduhan ang mga bus drivers and conductors, magiging mas malaking problema sa bus companies yan. why? baka matulog lang somewhere ang mga drivers and conductors nito kung saan. hee hee hee madaling itago ang mga bus! kung gusto talaga, meh paraan.

Cher Cabula said...

Graaah just looking at the photos make me angry remembering the times I've been cut (when I am on the right lane) on the road by these undisciplined drivers (all PUVs - taxis, buses and jeepneys). Everytime I hear a new proposal for a traffic scheme, it makes me wonder if these officials even drive on these roads.

Anonymous said...

Tagalugin niyo ito para ma gets ng MMDA...ingles eh, eh mahina nga utak ng mga yun.

Anonymous said...

kasalanan din ng tao yan, walang disiplinang mga bus driver + walabg disiplinang mga tao = bansang di aasenso.. kung san bawal dun sumasakay, kung san bawal tumawid dun tatawid.. ang disiplina nagsisimula sa atin, pag disiplinado tayo sunod sunod na yan...

Anonymous said...

kelangan namn mag dumaan ng yellow paglumiko sa kanan at kailangan kami pumuwesto sa outerlane bago lumiko para maiwasan ang swerving.

bat pinagbawal mga private vehicle sa yellow lane?? sino nagisip nito?

Anonymous said...

kelangan namn mag dumaan ng yellow paglumiko sa kanan at kailangan kami pumuwesto sa outerlane bago lumiko para maiwasan ang swerving.

bat pinagbawal mga private vehicle sa yellow lane?? sino nagisip nito?

Cheftonio said...

@Don Trivino

Hi Don! Long time!

Anyway, if matutulog lang yun bus drivers, well, problema ng bus companies yan. Lots of ways to solve that like install GPS to track buses, fire unproductive drivers to give way to other much deserving people to have work etc. :)

Just because of their business, the whole Metro Manila will suffer, I don't think that's fair naman.

Just my 2cents :)

ElkGroveLolo said...

I was a UST student in the 60's: the scenarios had not changed a bit.

I would just avoid Manila and live elsewhere since I'm a SeniorCit now and prone to (v) attack.

That you care to still find solution(s) is quite admirable though. Keep that positive spirit up.

Cheftonio said...

@Cher Cabula,

I agree. They use their huge buses to bully their way against private motorists like they own the road. I know a lot of people who have been bullied (victimized) by them. Nang-gigitgit sila then natatamaan side mirror, ayun basag. What can we do lalo na if female pa yun driver dba? As if they will pay up. They'll just speed up and ignore you.

Haay. Sad.

Anonymous said...

Noynoy, baka pwede mo na simulan tuwid na daan mo dyan. Alam mo naman kung sino sino mga lintek na politikong pagkadami-dami ng prangkisa ng bus. Sila ang humaharang ng batas para maging swelduhan ang mga driver at kundoktur at nde na kailangan kumomisyon.

Cheftonio said...

@Anon,

haha. tell MMDA to use Google translate. :)) lol

@Anon,

Yes true. If we are not part of the solution then we are part of the problem. Thing is, mmda is not looking at the bigger picture here. Double coding is going to make matters worst. If doesn't take a genius to do the math.

Double coding = those who can afford will buy 2 more cars = car ownership increases while roads aren't getting any bigger = ewan ko na anong traffic meron tapos non.



Anonymous said...

Well clearly you guys haven't tried running a bus company that's why you have noooo idea how hard fcking lazy these bus drivers are. You pay them fixed salary and goodluck you won't last 2 years in business

Cheftonio said...

To @Anon (July 11, 2013 at 5:41 PM)

We don't need to run a bus company to know how lazy some of the drivers are. As I said, it's not the problem of the whole Metro Manila that the drivers are lazy. A lot more people deserve to get hired than those "lazy" people.

Up to the bus companies to solve that problem. Why does everyone have to suffer? Wala naman tayong kinikita sa kinita ng company nila.

Unknown said...

https://m.facebook.com/MMDAPH/posts/416841748354493?comment_id=4761970&offset=2&total_comments=9 naimplement na to..

Unknown said...

kukurapkurap nanaman ang chairman niyan..

Cheftonio said...

@Mads,

My main point here other than the one stated (title) is that I'm against double coding and proving that private vehicles (in general) are not the main cause of the problem but, public buses are. The volume of the vehicles now is due to the number coding system implemented before and implementing a double coding will make matters worst.

Too much buses plying EDSA and the photos here prove that they are the cause of the traffic. A lot of buses are not full even during peak hours and because of that, they race against each other to get passengers. Fixed wage is just one of the solutions and I'll be glad if it was really approved and implemented but I don't think it has been implemented.

Pag sa buses yun double coding baka pwede pa but what they'll just do is they will change plate numbers. Wala rin.

Unknown said...

Akala ko double coding is sa lahat kahit private or pubic.. hehe but we'll see baka di nmn maapprove din.. ;)

Unknown said...

Self Discipline and not additional coding scheme. Even if you revise the coding scheme, people will buy another "cheap"(about to be trashed)vehicle just to avoid that coding and ends up either another road accident or car problems on the road that causes traffic. I do not agree with this new proposal. How about those politicians who never gets to experience traffic simply because they have their own "hagad" (mobile unit)who rushes to any direction as they wish so that they get to their point of destination. How about let these politicians use public transportation even for one day so they can get a better understanding of what is really happening and we'll see if they will agree with the new proposal or...do what is right for the people and not for their own sake. You guys may or may not agree with me, but this is just my opinion, good day everyone!

Anonymous said...

This may also apply to the jeepney's as well. as they also have quota system as well.

Unknown said...

Self Discipline and not additional coding scheme. Even if you revise the coding scheme, people will buy another "cheap"(about to be trashed)vehicle just to avoid that coding and ends up either another road accident or car problems on the road that causes traffic. I do not agree with this new proposal. How about those politicians who never gets to experience traffic simply because they have their own "hagad" (mobile unit)who rushes to any direction as they wish so that they get to their point of destination. How about let these politicians use public transportation even for one day so they can get a better understanding of what is really happening and we'll see if they will agree with the new proposal or...do what is right for the people and not for their own sake. You guys may or may not agree with me, but this is just my opinion, good day everyone!

Anonymous said...

lahat talaga ng sisi sa bus driver approve nasa yellow lane sila biglang liliko sa private lane ng walang signal ayun aksidente ang inaabot ng bangaan kasi gustong mauna sa sinusundan nyang bus kaya biglang liliko papuntang private lane bwahahaha mga walang modong bus driver talaga

Anonymous said...

yung mga bus driver kasi walang disiplina sa sarili
subukan nilang mapunta ng taiwan hongkong malaysia singapore lahat ng bus duon nasa bus lane displina kailangan ng maiwasan ang aksidente.
kung sakaling mapunta sila sa ibang bansa at mag drive ng bus malamng susunod sila sa batas trapiko dito lang sa pinas ang kakaiba pag nahuli ka tapalan ng 50pesos sa mukha ang nanghuli abswelto ka pak... MMDA lalu na ang mga Pulis Patola 50 pesos lang nag katapat kotong cops and MMDA

Anonymous said...

lalo na sa hating gabi yang mga bus driver na yan na ordinary lumilipad
mag patakbo sa edsa yan mga bwisit na yan kala mo laging naghahabol hindi nmn sila ambulance.. tsk! tsk! tsk!

Anonymous said...


"Bus drivers should be given FIXED salary. When will the Gov't listen?"

Because sometimes private companies > Government. How did they do that? "Good relations."

Aaron Tan said...

Is Philippines a democratic country? I notice the government only accept what's profiting them not the citizens..

Anonymous said...

tama lahat ng mga comment dito...bus ang dahilan o lahat ng pang pasaherong ssakyan...mga walang disiplinang mga driver..ni hindi nga nila alam mga signage kung ano ibig sabihin nito...isa pa sa problema ung mga pixers..lalo na sa lto..dahil karamihan ng driver hindi na dumadaan sa seminar or training.. kc nag babayad na lang sila para pumasa..dmi dapat baguhin dito sa pinas...umiiral dito ang pagiging selfishness....

X T N said...

Hello, Cheftonio. While I agree that bus drivers should be given a fixed salary rather than let them earn based on a boundary system, I don't think we can pin the blame solely on them (or on all PUV drivers for that matter). There are a number of other factors that come into play as to why our public transport system is very disorderly, and to a big extent, many passengers also lack discipline, especially when it comes to getting on and alighting these PUVs. More than just giving these PUV drivers a fixed salary and more intense training, a strict system actually utilizing bus stops and transit centers also need to be put in place, in order to prevent just anyone from trying to get on or get off these PUVs, and to discourage PUV drivers from making unnecessary stops along the road.

Anonymous said...

Hay! Those drivers really dont care about anyone but their "boundaries". They dont care who is on the road no care for human life. My car was hit from behind by a bus and my car was still! Until now we are still trying to get in touch with this bus company to pay for damages been car-less ever since.

Anonymous said...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oG1uZpiAzR8/S7JVjvNOscI/AAAAAAAAK_0/dMxXTfgPosM/s1600/3399179623_ed0d6f4f09_o.jpg

kung titingnan nyo yung larawan, mas ok sana yung bus na mode of transportation kung may disiplina sana sila.

Anonymous said...

Hay! Those drivers really dont care about anyone but their "boundaries". They dont care who is on the road no care for human life. My car was hit from behind by a bus and my car was still! Until now we are still trying to get in touch with this bus company to pay for damages been car-less ever since.

Cheftonio said...

@Chan,

Hi! Yes, I also agree that we cannot solely blame PUVs. You have a good point in stating that we need a more organized transport system (e.g. organized stations etc) Thing is, MMDA already tried to implement this by doing the A/B/C route but it's bitin and it was not implemented well.

While I cannot agree more to have organized stops to prevent commuters from getting on/ off buses, I think we currently do not have the luxury of space to implement such. Let me further explain how can having a fixed wage work for the better without the need for having those extra spaces for bus stops.

If bus drivers has a fixed wage, they won't pick-up / allow passengers to get on/off the bus in non-bus stop designated areas. In many developed countries like Shanghai/ Hong Kong, buses will get penalized if they pick up a passenger or drop off a passenger in areas that are not for bus stops.

If it's hard to train a thousand buses along EDSA, think how hard it will be to educate millions of commuters. So, my idea is to make something that we are far more in control of in implementing then leave the "education" part to the bus drivers and let the millions of commuters learn on their own.

If the bus drivers are on fixed wage, they wouldn't dare go against the law because it'll come out of their pockets. Unlike now, they are willing to take the risk because of the chance that at the end of the day, they can earn more. Add the fact that some enforcers can be bribed for P20~P100 pesos. Bus drivers know that if they can earn around P100~P500 by doing such, the bribe is just a small investment to make. If they earn fixed wages, they'll choose to just follow the law rather than get penalized.

Cheftonio said...

@Anon (with photo)

Yes, buses when organized are better options because of the fact that they can transport 30-40 people compared to a car which just can accommodate an average of 5 when in fact, a car is often times 1/3 to 1/4 of the size of a bus.

Organized lang dapat and disiplina because it's a double-edged sword. EDSA having just 5-6 lanes can be blocked by just a bus and traffic can be pretty bad.

Case in point. When a bus swerves from the left most lane to the right most lane to overtake other buses, barado na agad edsa.

Anonymous said...

GRrrrr Palala na ng palala ang pinas.. :{ mas maigi pang maging presidente ulit si P. Marcos kaysa ganito ka grabe.

Cheftonio said...

*What I meant above was we do not have the luxury of space for bus stations / transit centers

Anonymous said...

Some buses from other countries even have schedules what time they would be at a bus stop for you to know how long will you wait on a bus stop..

Anonymous said...

Good job with using traffic pictures to show your point. I agree that bus drivers should be under a salary scheme but the problem with what you are suggesting is lacking.

If you would, maybe you can put up a post giving your precise and well thought up idea on how driver salaries should be implemented.

Note that adding a salary scheme has its downsides as well. For example, if a bus driver receives a fixed monthly salary there is no more incentive for them to work harder. Also, we have to consider the reality that some bus drivers earn more because of the boundary system. Will they be willing to let go of that opportunity over a relatively stable but usually lower income.

Consider also the cost for the franchisers who would have to pay fixed salaries to drivers. Will they be able to gain some profits from fixed salary drivers (the drivers that you say are undisciplined)? Well maybe we can put them through training? Who's gonna pay? I bet not the drivers.

Have you seen EDSA during non-peak hours? There are a lot of buses vying for little passengers. You can see dozens of buses carrying a VIP (1 passenger). But that still counts toward their boundary. Imagine if they get fixed salaries. Would they still bother to drive during off-peak hours? Poor VIP.

I would like to read your suggestions toward fixing the problem.

Oh lastly, a good policy for one country may not be effective for another. Did you know the A,B,C bus scheme in EDSA is patterned from S. Korea?

ronielmacatol said...

if container vans can be made into houses, so these bus bodies that are in should-not-be-allowed-to-run condition too. less garbage along edsa, more low cost housing for the poor. ;-)

Anonymous said...

sumakit lang ang ulo kaka basa ng comments and suggestions nyo. isa lang naman ang problema dito. tayong mga pilipino walang sariling DISIPLINA sa sarili nating bansa.

Anonymous said...

Tatlo lang naman cause nyan lahat ng traffic sa edsa, kasama na baha sa manila dahil sa basura at sa mga squatters:

1 lack of discipline dahil sa
2 over population kasi
3 too much democracy.

Cheftonio said...

@Anon (July 11, 2013 at 8:37 PM)

Regarding downside of a salary scheme, yes, there will be no incentive for them to work harder. But as I've said in my previous comments, will we let their earnings hamper the development of our country (derived from having less traffic congestion)?

True that they earn more using the boundary system, but, it is not fair that millions of commuters and private motorists suffer the consequences just for them to earn more.

With regards to the profits of bus companies, it's really up to them to restrategize. If it's for the better of the majority, why not? But remember that buses are not the only problem. This is just one of it and the government can start from here. In terms of training/ seminars, like a regular employee of a company, they deserve that and employers should pay for it.

Exactly my point. Too much buses and even more empty buses during non-peak. Roads are limited so they must limit the number of buses traveling on edsa. If they get fixed salaries, would they bother? Of course. They get paid the same + overtime and at night, drivers would be paid night differential pay. Though like in other countries, it might mean that the fare would be a bit higher.

BUT before you complain about the higher fare for off-peak, think of it this way -- Rather than enduring the traffic for 2 hours, what if you pay a bit more but the travel time will be slashed to half? Time is priceless so this is a good trade off.

This is my only suggestion for now. Blogging is my hobby and this issue (double coding) just irked me. I haven't really looked into Korea's scheme because when I went there, we did not commute. Let me check on that and I'll get back to you. But yes, even without checking yet, I agree that one scheme may work for one country but not for another.

Haven't really thought how the salaries should be implemented. That's for the bus companies and DOLE (based on labor code) to discuss, I think. I'll think of other possible solutions but no promises because my major is not urban planning. BUT If I'll get a scholarship for it, I'll grab it. :)

Love your comments. Thanks for your time :)




Azrael Coladilla said...

kickstarter na tayo!!! raise funds... and fly MMDA Chairman to HK and Australia

let them stay there for 5 days and learn how the traffic system works there

Chints said...

sir, you are semi correct. the reason why they should be given a salary is so their INCENTIVE structure changes. the current problem is that they make more money when they pick up more passengers and which causes more traffic. if they had fixed salary they would have no incentives to do things that would cause traffic. but the solution perhaps is for the government to enforce a regulation that would INCENTIVIZE drivers who OBEY RULES. but that would cause the bus companies to make less profit. which leads to the next question -- are there too many buses (or bus companies)? over supply of buses causes too much competition which creates the behavior of ultra competitive driving which causes traffic.

Anonymous said...

Actually, the buses, just like in the other first world countries, should be run by the government. And sa proper designations for bus stops lang sila dapat magsakay at magbaba ng mga tao. This way, walang traffic dahil hindi na sila mag uunahan sa iisang spot kada may mga tao. Eh ano kung mag welga ang mga bus companies? Ilan lang ba sila compared sa ilang milyong tao na nagsusuffer sa kagagawan ng mga pamamalakad nila at mga drivers nila?

At isa pa, I think kailangan na ayusin ang metro trains natin. Something that could accommodate more people. Hindi yung makikipagsapalaran ka muna para makasakay. Of course people, kahit na alam na traffic, would opt to use their cars instead of using the trains. And because of this, sobrang dami nang sasakyan sa kalsada. (And besides, pag ginawa nila ito, baka sakaling humina na ang business ng mga bus at eventually, magsara nalang ng kusa hahaha)

But kidding aside, I totally agree with you. Sometimes, lalo na sa EDSA Cubao, one lane nalang natitira para sa private vehicles dahil nasakop na ng mga bus ang mga kalsada. Kaya nga given na that whenever there's a bus stop, you will surely encounter heavy traffic.

Cheftonio said...

@Chints,

In terms of the number, I do not have data to prove that there are too much buses plying edsa. MMDA should know that and using that data, they should more or less know the max number of buses that will be allowed in edsa. Thus, they should coordinate with LTFRB and check if the latter over issued franchises.

Without data, your observation is correct and this is what most of us agree on basing on the photos above as evidence. Because of oversupply, they are competing for passengers which is one of the causes of traffic and also dangerous at the same time.

Gregorio De Guzman said...

Although this article has several good points, it misses certain info to really shed light to the situation.

Fact is, there is a point to the Double Coding system. Here are the stats:

% of Privately-Owned Vehicles (POV) in EDSA = 70%
% of Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) in EDSA = 30%

Now,
# of Commuters in EDSA (POV & PUV) = 2.5 Million
% of which ride in POV = 35%
% of Which are PUV Commuters = 65%

Therefore, there is a need to lessen Privately owned Vehicles along EDSA because They actually occupy the most space but serve way less then Half of the Commuters in EDSA.

These stats are from researcher in the industry. I got them from my mother, who was the President of the bus operators association in Metro Manila. (But we quit the Bus industry 2 years back)

Also, Privately Owned Vehicles are not EXEMPTED from committing sins along EDSA. I have seen several cars violate several rules and case several accidents and heavy traffic.

So, Private Vehicle Owners have a fault in the matter, and not just a small one. But yes, the fault of Buses and other PUVs are bigger.

Now, about having a Fixed Salary for Drivers:

It is true that, ideally, it will eliminate the Boundary system. God knows we had to do the same system before. But there is reason for it: Because you barely earn from running a Bus Company. From Salaries, to bus maintenance, to repairs, to accident insurances, etc. plus TAXES, you barely earn enough to sustain the company.

Why is it so? Because the Government made the Bus Industry a Competition. They SOLD a lot of Franchises and benefited from the profits without thinking of what too many buses on the road might do to traffic. They decide to sell Bus Franchises instead of implementing a government-run Transport system just to earn money. In fact, a scandal broke out when this administration sat down because someone sold an addition 1000 Franchises to the already existing 2500 already distributed. Why? Php 150,000 (per Franchise) x 1000. That's why.

The Government has done nothing but make life for bus operators' life harder. Considering that Buses are a PUBLIC SERVICE, They should actually be helped. Why are Bus Operators still Taxed? Why do they allow OIL PRICE HIKES when Oil Companies are Obviously NOT LOSING MONEY? Why does PNOY refuse to have a face-to-face dialogue with the Bus Operators until now?

The Government already controls the price of Bus Fare, Taxes, and Oil prices. If they took control of the Driver's salary, then bus companies will just throw in the towel because they won't earn at all. No Buses, no transportation for Millions of Commuters. This then will cause the downfall of our Economy.

The Government has the power to help The Buses and therefore Lighten traffic.

In conclusion, there are a lot of factors in this situation. No one solution can solve it. Everyone involved must do their part.

SO to fellow Private Vehicle Owners, before we curse at bus drivers and solely blame them for Traffic in EDSA, please think of the real situation. Also, let's do our own part to help lessen traffic.

I hope my input help shed some light to the situation at hand.

Anonymous said...

bat di nila gayahin yung systema ng makati, kasi mas maayos yung PUV/road system nila dun, ang problema nmn sa EDSA yung mga traffic enforcer dun passive sila, gagalaw lng sila kapag malalana yung traffic unlike sa makati yung law enforcer dun stricto
=)

Anonymous said...

lintek na mga bus yan... ambabastos pa ng mga bus driver at mga konduktor na yan.. kung makapagsalita sa mga pasahero kala mo kung sino. Tapos pagpumara ka di kapa nakakababa ng husto aandar na... delikado. Dapat lang talaga may maparusahan jan dahil sila ang madalas na sanhi ng mga aksidente at perwisyo talaga

EXTREMELY FED UP!! said...

HOW ABOUT THE 'COLORUM" PUVS? THIS COUPLED WITH YOUR POINT ON THE BOUNDARY SYSTEM EXPONENTIALLY AGGREVATES THE TRAFFIC. THE "COLORUM" SYSTEM IS AIDED AND ABETTED BY THE MMDA AND THE POLICE..OBVIOUSLY FOR FINANCIAL GAIN...THEY CAN START WITH THIS AND I AM SURE THAT TRAFFIC WILL FLOW A BIT FASTER...ALSO WHY DON'T THEY TRY DOUBLE DECKER BUSES...TWICE THE CAPACITY USING UP LESS SPACE...LET'S FACE IT, THE GUYS RUNNING THE LTFRB, AS THE PERSONS IN-CHARGE OF GRANTING FRANCHISES (AND THEN ENSURING THAT THESE FRANCHISES ARE USED BY THE HOLDER PROPERLY - I.E. CHECKING ON THE CONDITION OF THE VEHICLES ETC.) CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO THE MESS THAT WE HAVE!!! IMAGINE THE LTFRB HAS SHOWN TIME AND AGAIN THAT IT IS INUTILE...THEY CAN'T EVEN CHECK THE CONDITIONS OF THESE BUSES AND A MAJORITY OF THEM PASS THEIR OFFICE ON EAST AVENUE AT LEAST 5X A DAY!!! THE BUSES/JEEPNEYS/TAXIS GO ON STRIKE AND THEY DON'T EVEN CANCEL THE FRANCHISES OF THESE ERRING COMPANIES/FRANCHISE HOLDERS! A FRANCHISE IS NOT "PROPERTY" BUT IS MERELY A "GRANT" FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO OPERATE A "PUBLIC UTILITY" - FOR THE "PUBLIC'S" BENEFIT...NOT FOR THEIR SELFISH PRIVATE INTERESTS!!! SAME GOES FOR MERALCO/MAYNILAD/MANILA WATER/GLOBE/SMART/CEBU PACIFIC/PAL/THE SHIPPING COMPANIES....KAWAWA TALAGA TAYO...PERA-PERA NALANG ANG LAHAT NG BAGAY!

Anonymous said...

I think hindi lang buses ang problema minsan sa kalsada.. dapat malawak ang pag iisip ntin lalo na meron din pasaway na mga trucks and PUVs syempre kasama na din ung ibang private vehicle na siga sa kalsada.

Anonymous said...

Gayahin nil a sang BGC(BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY) maaayos mga driver my disiplina. Humihinto LNG sea bus stop

Anonymous said...

umasa pa kayo...parang hindi nyo kilala mga kalahi nyo...hahahahahah

Anonymous said...

naguluhan ako

- fixed salary = lesser traffic jam?
- fixed salary = disciplined drivers?

i don't see how a supposed obligation can be a solution. and i dont see why money should be offered a motivation. its always been about values. pay me a salary of 30K a month so i can drive a bus but i still choose to disobey traffic rules. case in point: traffic enforcers and policemen. i only see men in blue when the streets are already jammed. minsan, sila pa ang cause ng traffic because even some of them do not know where to park. so its the employers and the drivers. how about teaching employers to be more empathic, considerate and less greedy? how about promoting discipline across all types or motorists? no one is exempted here.

Jun Q the Pogi said...

There's more to it than can be seen. Its not just about the motivating factor (boundary system)for the bus drivers its also about structures and protocols. In Hongkong and Shanghai, there are Bus Stations and strict schedules of buses. Competition is being moderated by these factors. There are no two buses sharing the same time and routes in the day, so, the drivers concern will be to be there in his station at the right time otherwise all the passengers that he is supposed to pick up are all gone. Bus in these places have designated numbers just like trains and airplanes. You often hear commuters saying I have missed bus no.5 so I should be late by 30mins now!!!. Bus systems in these countries are like clockwork and are sync in precision because the drivers are reinforced according to their abilities to get there on time. If they would be late by ten Mins, another bus is slated to take their slots and they forfeit their day. Bus operators would have to keep their buses maintained so they would render crisp operations. There are reasons why pre-owned buses are sold by Korea and Japan despite that they still look new:They cant compete against the new ones in adhering to the very precise schedules that they are supposed to follow. Commuters in these countries are so used to the strict schedules that they will eat raw the ears of drivers who would attempt to bend the rules. Discipline has already trickled down to the bottom level of stakeholders in these countries... In contrast our bus drivers are behaving like monkeys because we put them in cages totally devoid of dignities. The government is allowing these systems to continue because there is money in Chaos. The Bus Franchises can be unlimited if there are no clear designated routes and schedules. They train the commuters to be tolerant so that they will just smile even if they are already an hour late from their appointments. I can still recall during the days of the Lovebus when commuters would get excited to hop on those smooth and cool blue giants expectant that it will bring them to their places on time. I can recall even seeing bejeweled people riding in those hulks. No wonder, there were not much private cars then, because the public system works!!! It is cheaper, healthier and more convenient to be in a public conveyance that is safe, reliable and comfortable than to be in private cars. But we are people with very limited choices because the big ones, special mention to the government, have claimed the rest of the choices all for their own selfish selves!!!

Anonymous said...

To solve the traffic problem of Manila is to get rid of all jeepneys and make it a government run bus system. Bus drivers are getting paid by city coffers. This for sure will eliminate most of the congestion. Fletty12

Anonymous said...

Just my 2 cents on this metro manila traffic problems...

1. fixed salary for drivers

2. fire all bus drivers and start anew with hiring process. screen public vehicle drivers through interviews, written exams (on their knowledge on traffic laws), and test them on actual skills just like any other jobs.

3. install at least 3 cameras in the bus to monitor bus driver and passenger activities (for lazy and undisciplined bus drivers; also to document crimes in PUVs)

4. private owned bus companies must work with local governments to run these PUVs properly. set PUV SCHEDULES, ROUTES and PUV STOPS that must be observed religiously to avoid overcrowding of PUVs.

5. they won't need conductors or assistants in the bus to collect fares by installing a machine by the entrance where they could pay cash or scan prepaid cards. or maybe yet they could buy tickets from a machine by the bus stop before riding the bus so commuters will have no choice but to go to the bus stop and wait for the bus there

6. government must start a project on road widening, also building freeways and flyovers on busy routes. (people may suffer now with traffic due to construction but it would be a huge help 10 years from now)

7. start replacing all buses with hybrid buses to help the environment and let people in metro manila breathe without inhaling smog. maybe work with filipino automobile companies to invent hybrid jeepneys also which we may sell to other countries.

8. install flash cameras to capture undisciplined drivers (both public and private) so as to let them pay fines, or suspend licenses temporarily or permanently

if MMDA started to work on this, people will be more disciplined when it comes to traffic; this will help with the country's development; coding schemes may no longer be needed; and this would give a better image for metro manila
-Steff

Unknown said...

They intentionally blocking the way to prevent other buses getting ahead of them.

Anonymous said...

i do think both IS THE PROBLEM it's drivers fault and the passangers .. kasi yung mga pasahero pag nag sabi ng para!! kailangan kung saan sila nag sabi dun dapat bumaba maski nasa gitna na ng kalsada magagalit pa kasi masyadong malayo ... drivers naman UNAHAN (racing) sa pasajero or tumatambay sa bus stop....

pangaralan dapat pareho kung saan kailangan bumaba and ilan minus lang ang hintayan ...

kotaewosagashite said...

fixed salaries, limit to 5 bus companies, problem solved.

BUSDRIVERFROMSANTRANS said...

imma bus driver sir/maam. and i think we just need a proper lane for every vehicle. i agree that we're one of the source of that traffic issue. but not mainly, you should guys think the other vehicle before keep saying. and not all busdriver walangya sa kalsada.

Anonymous said...

KUNG I FIFIX NIO PO KAMI KAWAWA NAMAN ANG PAMILYA NAMIN. MAY MGA PAMILYA DIN NAMAN PO KAYO> WAG NYO PO SANANG ISISI LAHAT SA MGA BUS DRIVER ANG PROBLEMA NG TRAPIKO.

Angel_Bubbles said...

1. The government should be more strict in issuing drivers' license not just to PUV drivers but to everyone in general. The government should also be strict in giving out franchise licenses to bus companies.

2. Educate our drivers and commuters. PUV drivers should be trained by the company before hiring as well as constant training. Implement sanctions on those drivers who are not law-abiding. Commuter awareness should be done through media and road signs and posts. Di lang sana puro commercials ang mga nakapost sa ating mga kalye.

3. Discipline. Passengers and PUV drivers should learn this. Passengers should hail and alight at designated stops. Drivers should only pick-up and allow passengers to alight at designated stops.

4. Strict implementation of rules by MMDA.

Moreover, our government and its agencies involve in this should enforce strict and unbiased implementation of the law.

Angel_Bubbles said...

1. The government should be more strict in issuing drivers' license not just to PUV drivers but to everyone in general. The government should also be strict in giving out franchise licenses to bus companies.

2. Educate our drivers and commuters. PUV drivers should be trained by the company before hiring as well as constant training. Implement sanctions on those drivers who are not law-abiding. Commuter awareness should be done through media and road signs and posts. Di lang sana puro commercials ang mga nakapost sa ating mga kalye.

3. Discipline. Passengers and PUV drivers should learn this. Passengers should hail and alight at designated stops. Drivers should only pick-up and allow passengers to alight at designated stops.

4. Strict implementation of rules by MMDA.

Moreover, our government and its agencies involve in this should enforce strict and unbiased implementation of the law.

Angel_Bubbles said...

. The government should be more strict in issuing drivers' license not just to PUV drivers but to everyone in general. The government should also be strict in giving out franchise licenses to bus companies.

2. Educate our drivers and commuters. PUV drivers should be trained by the company before hiring as well as constant training. Implement sanctions on those drivers who are not law-abiding. Commuter awareness should be done through media and road signs and posts. Di lang sana puro commercials ang mga nakapost sa ating mga kalye.

3. Discipline. Passengers and PUV drivers should learn this. Passengers should hail and alight at designated stops. Drivers should only pick-up and allow passengers to alight at designated stops.

4. Strict implementation of rules by MMDA.

Moreover, our government and its agencies involve in this should enforce strict and unbiased implementation of the law.

ac said...

"DOLE reminds bus firms to comply with fixed salary rule

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/221993/dole-reminds-bus-firms-to-comply-with-fixed-salary-rule#ixzz2YnQk9Wyw

Kerwin said...

First of all, I agree with you that the government offices in charge should properly monitor and continuously apprehend PUVs that violate our traffic rules and regulations.

Just want to point out that "P" buses or Provincial Buses (like in some of your pictures) are NOT allowed to drive inside the yellow lanes. They are supposed to drive along the first "private" lane after the yellow lane.

Anonymous said...

I agree with what the author is saying.

Just want to point out that "P" or provincial buses (in some of the pictures) are supposed to drive outside the yellow lanes. They are supposed to drive along the lane in between the motorcycle lane and the yellow lane. But yes, city buses go in and out of the yellow lane as they please.

Anonymous said...

I partly disagree with the fixed salary ONLY system. This will tend them to ignore passengers. The salary system is ok with other coun tried because they are not as populated as the PH. And so if we to do that here fixed salary only, this will also result in commuters being left stranded. So in my part salary is ok, but with additional incentives.. what is the question?

Anonymous said...

Please make an article also about jeeps and their illegal terminals.

Anonymous said...

now that your article has gone viral, please do more like this to help lessen public sufferr

Anonymous said...

To the bus driver who commented

You might be one of the few law abiding citizen/ bus drivers but majority are not.

Anonymous said...

I don't agree with you (^) this is why some other places in EDSA is crowded with people there should be a time allowance in every bus stop station but they were not implementing it!!!

Anonymous said...

Yung five star bus na nasa private lane na binanggit sa blog, dun talaga nakaassign mga provincial bus. bawal din sila sa yellow lane kasi di sila nagsasakay ng pasahero sa metro, nagbababa lang sila kaya no need na pumunta sa yellow unless magbaba sila sa designated stop. imho.

Pika said...

Mejo mababaw tong solution na to... Enforcement ang solution... kaya traffic kasi:

1. madaming driver na hindi qualified talaga mag drive - LTO

2. Madaming colorum - LTFRB and MMDA

3. wlang ngipin ang traffic rules - MMDA/ PNP

Anonymous said...

http://www.mmda.gov.ph/get-to-know-the-Chairman.html

impressive ang resume ng chairman. but i believe, wala pa ring mangyayari. all the resume and certifications are nothing in reality. pampalaki lang ng sweldo nila yun. but still, people want and are hungry for results.

PUPUSTA AKO!!!! WALANG MANGYAYARI!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Just the other day along Edsa-Ayala, I had to speed up ahead a bus and hit the brakes at full stop because the bus occupied 2 lanes and really pissed me off. MMDA units stopped me but they couldn't hold me without pulling over the bus driver. Patas lang naman siguro kung mga bus drivers ay pasaway bakit ako hindi rin ba pwede?

Anonymous said...

Inaamin ko may kodigo ako bago nung kumuha ako ng Drivers License.

Merong ganyan ang mga Driving Lesson institution. Pati na sa LTO.


Anonymous said...

The suggestion I'm going to make is not unique. It's being implemented in other Asian countries successfully. And it is this: Have a bus lane designated at the leftmost lane, the one nearest the center or median of EDSA. Have it enclosed with high barrier. Furthermore, have the bus traffic flow inside the lane be counter to the one in the main lanes. This way the estribos need not be modified. Passengers will alight near the LRT stations. They can the take the LRT overhead crossing to go to the other side of the street to go on their normal way. The reversed flowing enclosed bus lane will be like a tray ride. Buses will have to go upon dispatch whether or not they have full load. In case of breakdown, the affected bus will be pulled out by wreckers positioned along the median. I don't think bus owners will ever pay their drivers regular salaries. And there are hundreds of these bus operators some of whom are retired police or government officials.

Migs Silva said...

Training, yes. Fixed salaries, NO, NO & NO. Since bus drivers have a secured, fixed salary, bus drivers who carry more passengers & those who carry less would have the same salary. What would happen is buses would speed all the way from point A to point B, only occasionally picking up passengers (if & only if they are lucky enough to board the bus). The tendency then would be bus drivers ignoring would-be passengers. Why should they hassle themselves into picking them up when they can just drive to their destination point and still receive the same amount of money?

Fixed salary or not, everything boils down to the big "D" - Discipline, without which even the most well thought out law would be nothing more than a mere suggestion.

Humble minion at your service said...

One thing they could do is to have an efficient vehicle insurance, one that will effectively investigate and sue vehicles at fault. Here in Canada, ang mga drivers have no choice but to follow rules, kasi if they get into accident and kasalanan mo, hahabulin ka ng insurance and they will make sure you will pay more than you have to. Pinababayaan ng mga bus companies ang ganitong behaviours kasi their employees do make money for them, but if they get sued a lot most likely they will take the initiative to discipline their drivers. Hindi ito ang talagang solution dyan, but it's a start.

Anonymous said...

To frederic, e di wag ka magmaneho, wala namang pumipilit sayo.

Anonymous said...

Dapat tlgq may maayos silang salary... pero astig ah.. 90kph sa edsa then cut.. para akong nasa roller coaster..

Anonymous said...

Dapat tlgq may maayos silang salary... pero astig ah.. 90kph sa edsa then cut.. para akong nasa roller coaster..

Anonymous said...

BUS and JEEP and TAXI! mga bwisit sa kalye yang mga yan. hihinto kung saan nila gusto. maghihintay ng mga pasahero sa mga kanto. naguunahan sa kalsada kasi bka maagawan ng pasahero. kung wala mga yan maayos yung traffic sa pilipinas!

bakit hindi nyo subukan na ayusing yung mga public na mga sasakyan at driver na yan. bago nyo isisi sa mga private na sasakyan yung traffic!

tapos ipagpipilitan na dapat 2x yung coding ng mga private na sasakyan! kasi daw yung mayayaman bibili lang ng sasakyan na pangpalit sa tatamaan ng coding! magisip nga kayo puro nalang kayo awa sa mahihirap pinaiiral ng gobyerno (sa TV ipipilit na kaawaaan yung mga mahihirap) kaya lahat ng tao nagiging mahirap. sa totoo lang kasalanan naman nung mga lintik na yun kung bakit sila mahirap!

Anonymous said...

fixed bus stop areas, lessen number of buses, tough and incredibly strict disciplinary actions and penalties against drivers. Government should start lessening the number of franchises, and start getting into the public transport business, starting with the buses. Competition among these companies would end up with more number of buses in existing roads. Just imagine how many buses you can see everyday along EDSA that are only half-filled or less?

Anonymous said...

I just recently drove in Philippines, driving is heart attack waiting/calling. Our vehicle got scratch and was unfortunately got hit and run by a Jeepney. What I've noticed walang discipline and drivers it does not matter if it is an BUS, JEEPNEYS, TAXI, and WORSE AY ANG TRICYCLE AND THE SMALL SINGLE CYCLE, SULPOT LANG SILA NG SULPOT at walang enough space para sa public transportation. THERE IS NEED TO BE DISCIPLINE INVOLVED WITH BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. PHILIPPINE GOV"T MUST ENFORCE RULES AND MAKE A BETTER PLANNING OF ROADS FOR EVERYONE TO BE ACCOMMODATE.AND REMOVE BILLBOARDS. BAKIT AND OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES, THIER ROADS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IS SO AWESOME. I AGREE SA COMMENT MADE nasi anynomus NAMED STEFF. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE PHILIPPINES TRANSPORTATION GETS BETTER!!

Anonymous said...

dapat talaga gawing fixed ang sahod ng mga putang inang driver na yan. Para hindi takbong pampatay gutom ang gawin nila.

Anonymous said...

dapat pag-aralan din ng MMDA ang bawat hakbang na gagawin nila, at hindi isang ekspiremento. Hindi naman hayop o ano pa man ang mga motorista... yung motorcycle lane paboritong daanan ng truck at mga bus kaya ang mga nagmomotor mas pinipiling huwag ng dumaan sa lane na yun ang makikipagsiksikan na lang sa ibang lane