Getting around Manila

Public transport in Manila is a mix of light rail, buses, jeepneys and taxis. Manila’s light rail system presently operates three lines. The Metro Manila Rail Transit System (tel: (02) 929 5347; http://dotcmrt3.weebly.com) runs the MRT3 (Metrostar Express), which shadows the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) from North Avenue to Taft Avenue accessing Makati and Ortigas. The Light Rail Transit Authority (www.lrta.gov.ph) operates two lines: LRT1 (tel: (02) 854 0984) runs north-south between Monumento and Baclaran; LRT2 (tel: (02) 647 3452) flows east to west from Santolan to Recto.

Lead coaches are usually reserved for women and senior citizens. Future plans include a new North Rail Line to NAIA Airport. Single-journey fares are cheap and dependent on destination. Stored value (multiple-use) tickets for the three lines (worth up to P100) may be purchased at stations.

Jeepneys are highly decorative long-wheelbase transporters modelled on US Jeeps. They ply set routes all over Manila. Simply locate the destination map painted on the cab, hail and jump onboard. Call out your destination to the driver and pay a fixed inexpensive fee.

Manila is served by a plethora of private bus companies. Cost varies depending on destination and whether the bus is air-conditioned - tickets are available from kiosks, stations and some shops. There are no bus schedules but EDSA has buses available round the clock.

Pasig River Ferry Service Transit System (tel: (02) 926 5232) operates a new ferry service. Ten stops along the River Pasig take approximately 90 minutes from Plaza Mexico terminus in Metropolitan Manila to San Joaquin near Taguig. Sights include Malacañang Palace.