Going to places in Metro Manila frustrates many due to the daily traffic congestion in the area. Based on the 2023 Tomtom Traffic Index, Metro Manila topped first on the list of metro areas with the slowest travel time out of the 387 cities across 55 countries. It takes an average of 27 minutes and 20 seconds to get around Manila's city center, making it one of the slowest commutes globally. According to TomTom's data, rush hour traffic congestion has worsened, resulting in Filipinos losing up to 117 hours annually in 2023. This is an increase of 12 hours and 51 minutes compared to the average time lost in 2022. Rush hour on weekdays can turn things into a traffic jam just as bad as, or even worse, the worsened data reported in the previous year. However, the time citizens spend enduring the struggle with traffic is not the only aspect affected. The transportation industry in the country plays a substantial role in emitting greenhouse gases, representing approximately 35% of the nation's energy-related emissions. 

As the Philippines’ current state of transportation continues to be primarily reliant on private cars, the state of the environment is at stake, which leads to air pollution and greenhouse gases aside from traffic congestion. International reports and data reaffirm the seriousness of air pollution in the Philippines. The IQAir AirVisual 2020 World Air Quality Report frequently includes major Philippine cities on lists of locations with alarming air quality levels. Air pollution was responsible for approximately 66,230 deaths in 2019, making it a primary cause of death and disability from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The economic ramifications are also significant, with air pollution resulting in a loss of PHP 2.32 trillion, equivalent to 11.9% of the country's GDP in 2019. Aside from environmental problems, owning a private vehicle can be costly. Private cars come with recurring expenditures. These include paying for fuel, loans, registration fees, parking fees, insurance, and maintenance fees, to name only a few. 

Considering these, public awareness regarding the importance of sustainable transportation should increase to make a positive change for the future of Mother Nature. Research conducted by the World Bank indicates that the Philippines has the potential to conserve $1.4 billion annually through investments in public transportation. In an interview with Transportation analyst and urban planner Peter Paredes, he stated that encouraging the public to utilize mass transportation systems, advocating for active mobility such as cycling, and optimizing waterways and rivers for alternative transportation could help decrease vehicular traffic congestion. Over time, managing and planning urban land development effectively is important. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by 20%, with the government also committing to investing in public transportation.

Metro Manila is not hard to navigate as long as you know your way around the world of public transportation. You can also efficiently get to your destination for less than the price you pay for private cars. The country showcases various examples of sustainable transportation practices. For instance, Metro Manila offers multiple public transportation choices, such as trains, buses, jeepneys, tricycles, and pedicabs. While private cars usually hold more or less than five people and occupy at least 5 x 3 meters of road space, twenty people or more on a public bus occupy 14 x 3 meters of road space. Trains and jeepneys hold more people than private cars and occupy less space. This implies that the roads would have so much space and lesser pollution emissions if more went on public transportation. Consequently, by using public transportation, you support the environment and the livelihoods of thousands of Filipinos. 

Compared to paying a minimum base fare of Php 35 to Php 50 for GrabCar services aside from the “surge fees” and “short trip” during rides, you can ride:

Trains