Some things one has to remember in riding a jeep

(...continuation of the previous entry)

We (my friend and I) were about to go home, so we opted to head to Quiapo. She was going to visit a company in Ortigas first, so she took an FX en route to Megamall. Ten minutes passed, and I still couldn't find an FX bound for Pasig. Not being familiar with the area, I didn’t know if there was a terminal nearby, so I decided to take the jeepney since it wasn't too hot anyway.

There were only two passengers in the back, both near the vehicle's threshold, when I got on, so I sat next to the man on the right side. I hadn’t ridden a jeep in that area since the fare increased, so I asked the driver how much it was to my destination. He looked at me in the mirror and said, "23 pesos." I didn’t have the exact fare, so I paid 25 pesos instead. He glanced at me again as I handed over the fare and received my 2-peso change. Before we turned right onto Recto, the only passenger on the left side near the threshold got off, vacating that spot. Since I always found it convenient to sit near the threshold, I decided to take the open seat.

Little by little, more passengers boarded, and by the time we reached the University of the East, the jeepney was filled with a group of students (or at least that’s what I assumed by their appearance). I couldn’t help but identify with them, having been in college just a few months ago. Judging by their red shirts—adorned with prints and slogans like "Samahang Makabayan para sa Sambayanan"—ragged jeans, and Chucks, they seemed to lean toward the left spectrum.

The jeepney was not just full but overflowing, with two students and a man hanging onto the rails at the threshold. Not to mention the noise they created. I wasn’t really bothered by them and just enjoyed the ride as we passed through the historic streets of Manila. The noise eased when the students got off near Stop and Shop.

Passengers continued to get on and off. The jeepney stopped and started. The driver occasionally glanced at passengers through his windshield mirror. Traffic congestion occurred in some areas, while some streets seemed as wide as SLEX. It was just an ordinary day in a jeepney until I got off at my destination. I walked along the side streets to the jeepney terminal bound for home. But before I could take my fifth step, I heard a voice I thought was from the driver of the jeepney I had just taken. And I was right; the jeepney was following me. Moreover, the driver was actually calling my attention, drawing the gaze of the crowd on the side streets and the passengers.

I thought I had forgotten something on the jeepney, so I stopped to listen to the driver. I was calm until I saw his disappointed look and heard him say, "Boss, magbayad ka naman..." My bright, calm, and ordinary day suddenly plunged into DARKNESS. I felt so irritated by such an accusation. I never imagined this situation would happen. I have always tried to be fair in everything I do, so such an accusation was very offensive to me. I guess it would be for anyone. Right? I was raised by my parents with good values and educated by the country's best institutions. Thus, to be charged with something I didn't do and to be humiliated in front of so many people was quite outrageous.

Standing my ground and maintaining my integrity, I replied in a slightly polite manner, "Nagbayad na ako. Lumipat lang ako ng upuan." After saying that, I turned and walked away. I caught a glimpse of the driver's frustration as I did so. I didn’t feel guilty because I was right, though I felt uncomfortable. Who wouldn’t be? I was truly affected by that. It was actually the second time I had been accused of something similar.

When I got home, I didn't dwell on it too much. Instead, I wrote this blog post and reflected on some lessons learned. When riding jeepneys or any public utility vehicles, one should remember a few things:

• Do not sit too far away from the driver.
• Always pay the fare.
• Make your presence felt when paying the fare.

That's it, I guess.