If you have not visited Manila in more than a couple of years, you will be surprised that those riding the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) or Light Railway Transit (LRT) have passengers segregated. The female, children, handicapped, and elderly passengers have a separate line from the male. This was implemented back in April 2006. The first three coaches of a train gets to be occupied by the female, children, handicapped , and elderly riders. There are signs visible for people to know where to line up.
There were observations done before the implementation of passenger segregation. Noticeably, especially during peak hours, people get to be squashed with each other. A very good description of this is “like being packed in a sardine can.” One of the aims of passenger segregation is to avoid or at least, minimize the pushing and shoving particularly among the elderly, children, handicapped and women.
For women who are accompanied by male riders, they can choose to board among the coaches designated for men. The men, however, strictly cannot embark on the coaches specifically designated for women and others.
Passenger segregation in public transportation is not common among other countries worldwide. The Philippines, purposely for the MRT and LRT, has this public safety measure. As we all know, Manila has an overcrowded situation and it is good that management of the rail transits and Department of Transportation and Communications have undertaken this kind of segregation program.
The next time you are in Manila and you are commuting via the MRT or LRT, you would know where to fall in line. – ?