1. the guard position
This is not the same guard that you see in the train stations. The guard position is more like a Swiss Guard, standing at the sides without too much movement. Upon entering the coach or train, place yourself at the corner side of the door. Stand there and hold the bar that rotates when the train door closes. This is particularly useful to those who are disembarking in the middle stations. Examples are Cubao to Shaw stations of MRT, Abad Santos to Carriedo stations of LRT-1 and Cubao-Araneta to V. Mapa stations of LRT-2. In these middle stations, people either enter in droves or many of them do not disembark yet. Meaning if you need to disembark in these middle stations and you're somewhere in the middle of the crowd then you are going to have a hard time going out and you might miss your station if the door closes and you haven't gone out yet.
So, if you came in from a starting station like MRT North Avenue, LRT Roosevelt or Monumento, and LRT-2 Santolan, use the Guard Position and stand at the corner nearest the door. Hold the bar as there are stations where there are so many people coming in so better hold on to it so you will not be displaced from your position and avoid being pushed away. At least when you are to disembark in the middle stations, you can easily go out of the coach. It won't be much of a problem at the end stations as most people if not all, will go out anyway.
So, if you came in from a starting station like MRT North Avenue, LRT Roosevelt or Monumento, and LRT-2 Santolan, use the Guard Position and stand at the corner nearest the door. Hold the bar as there are stations where there are so many people coming in so better hold on to it so you will not be displaced from your position and avoid being pushed away. At least when you are to disembark in the middle stations, you can easily go out of the coach. It won't be much of a problem at the end stations as most people if not all, will go out anyway.
2. the front pack
Yes, the opposite of back pack. We all know why the back pack is called as such for a bag. But nowadays, it is better to be cautious. Place your back pack in front of you as you enter. If you have other valuable items in your pockets such as cellphones, wallet, or money, keep it first inside your bag where you can see it. You may also hold it but it could fall off or slip off your hand. For girls who have shoulder bags or other kinds of bags, still place the strap on your shoulder and place the bag in front of you and hold it. Make sure the zippers or buttons are closed. Also avoid placing your bag too low to the point that you can't see it especially during peak hours when the train is too crowded as idle hands below can roam to where it shouldn't be.
This is not only useful when riding trains but also in general commuting. Whether riding the bus, waiting for a public transportation in a crowded area, even shopping in Divisoria, you may take this in mind.
This is not only useful when riding trains but also in general commuting. Whether riding the bus, waiting for a public transportation in a crowded area, even shopping in Divisoria, you may take this in mind.
3. the middleman
If you are coming from the end stations (such as North EDSA, EDSA-Taft, Roosevelt, Baclaran, etc) and your destination is to another end station (or at least near it), it is wise to stay in the middle section of the coaches. This is the portion where 2 adjacent coaches are interconnected. This section is usually not too crowded compared to the area near the door. No matter if it is peak or non-peak hours, you will always find space in this section where you will not be pushed around as a result of too many people coming in. This means that you will have a more convenient ride especially that you are traveling a longer distance. Most train riders will disembark in the stations in the business districts like the Ayala, Buendia stations. Therefore, it will be easier or less hassle for you to go out of the train in the end stations.
One disadvantage though is that there might be a fewer bar handles in the middle sections so just be creative on where to put your hands to hold on to in case of sudden stops and breaks. :)
More to come..
One disadvantage though is that there might be a fewer bar handles in the middle sections so just be creative on where to put your hands to hold on to in case of sudden stops and breaks. :)
More to come..