The Costs of Ineffective Commute

In today’s fast-paced world, commuting is more than just getting from point A to point B; it’s a part of our daily routine. Yet, for millions of Filipinos and countless others around the world, the journey to work or school can be costly in ways many don’t even consider. The inefficiencies in our commuting systems come with a price that affects not only our wallets but also our time, health, and overall well-being.

Cost in Fares

When commuting becomes a significant financial burden, it’s not just about the fare—it’s about the value of the journey. In Metro Manila, as high as 20% of one's monthly income is used for transportation (JICA). For many, that percentage increases depending on factors like route complexity or the need for multiple transfers. These costs quickly add up and can make a meaningful difference to household budgets, particularly for low-income families.

All these expenses, but what can we really do? Work and school require transportation, yes, but it should be at least become worthwhile. These expenses are unavoidable, but it shouldn't cost us more. Our time, our health.

Cost in Time

While we often think of a commute as simply “part of the day,” research shows that longer travel times impact more than just the clock. In Metro Manila, the average commuter spends around an hour just to get to work, and they spend, on average, an approximate of 66 minutes per day stuck on heavy traffic (Boston Consulting Group, 2017). This lost time could otherwise be spent with family, engaging in personal pursuits, or even resting. Include the uncomfortable state of passengers inside public transport during these long hours of commute. Unacceptable.

The hidden time cost is even more evident in the unpredictability of travel schedules. With frequent delays and congested routes, commuters are forced to leave home earlier, cutting into sleep, family time, or opportunities for self-care. These moments can never be recovered, and they have a real impact on quality of life. And since commute time is an unavoidable cost, we shouldn't spend it in cramped spaces and hot environment that could lead to our health issues. The cost of commute shouldn't be premium to ensure health and safety.

Cost in Health

An often-overlooked aspect of inefficient commuting is the toll it takes on physical and mental health. According to a 2023 article by the United Nation Environment Program (UNEP), air pollution from vehicles contributes significantly to respiratory issues, especially in urban areas with heavy traffic. Spending hours daily in poorly ventilated, overcrowded spaces, or exposed to emissions can lead to increased rates of asthma, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions.

Mental health also suffers in stressful commuting environments. When commuting drains our resting time and take a significant toll on the body, the mind is affected too. We bring that stress into our homes and workplaces, affecting our relationships and productivity.

The Path Forward

It’s clear that ineffective commuting isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a challenge that impacts finances, time, health, and overall well-being.

At Station PTOT, we envision a future where commuting isn’t synonymous with stress, lost time, or unnecessary costs by streamlining our commute processes through digitalization.

The cost of ineffective commuting is high, but with your support, we can build a public transportation system that benefits everyone. Be a part of this movement. Let’s make commuting work for all of us—join Station PTOT in revolutionizing the daily commute for a brighter, more efficient future.

#StationPTOT

#P&PTransportationOnTime

The Costs of Ineffective Commute

References:

• Ramos, M. S. (2021, May 31). Commuter woes worsen during pandemic | Inquirer News. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1439051/commuter-woes-worsen-during-pandemic

• Piojo, L. M. (2021, May 21). Terminal: The constant agony of commuting amid the pandemic. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/photo-essay-agony-daily-commuting-metro-manila-covid-19-pandemic/

• United Nations Environment Programme. (2023, September 6). Air Pollution Note – Data you need to know. https://www.unep.org/interactives/air-pollution-note/