For Train Commuters: How To Make Rush Hour Bearable

It's rush hour, and everyone wants to get to their destination at once. Trains are packed, tempers flare up, train doors won't close, and everyone gets delayed a little bit longer each time. 

I call it the crush hour. 

I have been riding 3 of our most congested train lines (PNR, MRT-3, LRT-1) since 2006. Everyday I transfer from one line to the other because this mode of transportation still beats traffic on the road. We need to help each other because otherwise, we'll all be late!! :(  

Here are some ways I make trips bearable for myself, and help others in the process. 

1. Move to the aisle. 

Unless I'm getting off in the next two stations, I look if there's room on the inside of the train away from the doors: room enough for to squeeze in. Believe me, I breathe a lot easier come the next station when people come in. The people who stand just inside the door are jostled, elbowed, pushed from all sides (can you say, abused?). 

I've noticed a tendency of people to stop moving when the person one follows inside stops. The one in front may not be looking to squeeze in. On crowded trains, you need to find your own way. 

1-2 stops away from my destination, I make my way to the door slowly by either following the flow of people who are getting off, or asking people to exchange positions. People are usually accommodating when they know you're getting off soon. (Beats a panicked elbow to the face from a careless co-commuter who's scrambling to get off at the last minute.)

2. Keep bags up front.

I need personal breathing space, so I keep my bag in front. In addition to assuring a breathing space, it also ensures I'm not taking up more space than needed. Finally, it helps me to keep my belongings safe. 

3. Hair in a bun. 

Hair acts as a heat insulator. So tying it up keeps the neck area cool, which really helps (even if you've literally got someone breathing down your neck :p). Personally though, to be stuck to hair that is not mine for 30 minutes on a train is a yucky feeling when the air conditioner is not up to speed. Especially when the hair is wet. Or warm. Imagine wet hair on your face.  Please, keep your tresses in front or in a bun. 



Red carpet-worthy, and practical, too! Image credit to Total Beauty

4. Use the baggage rack (if provided).

If I carry a light load, or nothing at all, I move and breathe easier and am not so grumpy. 

 

5. Fan it out. 

Cool air comes from the vents on top, while warm bodies exude all sorts of air currents, scents and fumes that are warm, but (more important) not so friendly to the nose. So if you're a lady and you carry a fan, fan out the cooler air above head. Sighs of relief will break out around you.

(See the blue splotch in a sea of black? That's public service.)