Top 10 LRT Peeves
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008The LRT is the Manila Light Rail Transit System. Wikipedia says it’s the first metro system in Southeast Asia. I sometimes read “LRT” as “lert”, just because. I began riding it regularly when I was in uni, and I presently use it almost daily. I like the LRT because it’s the fastest way to get around - Metro Manila has the worst traffic. Still, there are times when I’d rather not take the LRT, and here are my top ten reasons why.
10. Being in a crowded train next to someone with BO.
I don’t think this needs any further explanation.
9. Guys who sneak into the section reserved for females.
Dude, what part of “female area” don’t you understand??
8. Kids that won’t shut up.
I hate kids, especially noisy and whiny ones who I’m stuck with until I get off. Yes, I did say I hate kids. Sue me.
7. People who play music loudly with their cellphones or MP3 players.
These people seem to think that they’re doing others a favor by providing some sort of entertainment. Unfortunately, they’re just being annoying. Use earphones, people, and keep your horrible music to yourselves.
6. People who lean on you. Literally.
This has happened to me only once so far, but it was hella annoying. There I was, minding my own business, when I suddenly realized that the woman next to me was leaning on me for balance. I was supporting almost her entire body weight! What the hell. I’m not a wall, lady. So I stepped away from her and she nearly fell over. Haha!
5. People who push to get onto the train.
Don’t these people realize that pushing is just going to cause everyone to take longer to get onto the train? Why can’t we just board the train in an orderly, civilized manner?
4. People who get on the train before letting people who are getting off get off.
Also people who block the train doorway. Once I had to push a lady aside because she didn’t seem to understand that before she could get on, I had to get off first, and that she was in my way. I didn’t push her with much force, though. She easily “swung open” like a door.
3. Waiting for a train that takes forever to arrive.
Where is that train??
2. Bag checks.
Due to previous bombings, passengers are required to have their bags checked at the station entrances. I know it’s a security measure, but all it does is slow things down and create a long queue, especially for busy stations. Do the security guards even know what they’re looking for? They merely poke their sticks in your bag and give the contents a once-over. Dangerous items could be hidden at the bottom, or in other compartments, and they’d never see them. The LRT should use X-ray machines instead, just like the Shanghai Maglev Train does, but I don’t think the LRT has the budget for them.
And finally… (Drum roll, please.)
1. People who wrap themselves around the poles.
Seriously, some people can be very, very inconsiderate. I’ve seen people who make like boa constrictors and simply will not let go of the poles (for reasons I cannot come up with), even if other people are trying to hold onto “their” pole for balance. Yes, it’s theirs, and no, you don’t exist.