If You're a Manila Commuter, These Apps Can Help You Get Around

Commuting in Manila is nothing short of nightmarish. If, pre-pandemic, we've agonized and suffered over the state of traffic and public transport in the city, then COVID-19 has only exacerbated these cracks. In a survey by the Social Weather Stations via INQUIRER.net on May 7, 2021, around 42% of Filipinos reported that commuting to work has become "very much harder" for them than before.

If you are one of those who are not doing home-based work during the pandemic, we recommend you check out and download some of these apps, if you haven't yet, to help you in your commute. Even if you work from home, it’s best to be prepared for the day you eventually have to report to work or switch to a hybrid setup. While we can't promise that these apps will suddenly turn your commute experience around, we can bet these can help you, at the very least, prepare your routes and make commuting a tad bit more bearable.

Sakay

Sakay.ph is your best bet for getting around Metro Manila, as it collects the best commuting data available in real time. Available on the App Store and Google Play, the Sakay.ph app provides transit directions for various modes, from jeepneys, trains, and buses to UV express, shuttles, and even the Pasig River ferry.

This pandemic, Sakay partnered with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for its bus and jeepney live location tracker, which allows commuters to view live locations of buses and jeepneys on a user-friendly map, as well as track COVID-19 shuttles.

Moovit

Another app you can use to travel around Manila with ease is Moovit, an urban mobility app that provides public transit information to over 112 countries. Moovit gives commuters step by step directions to any destination, and allows them to view bus and train schedules, arrival times, service alerts, and detailed map routes. Moovit's Live Directions and Get Off Notifications provide accurate data in real time, so you never have to worry about missing a stop.

The Moovit app is available on Google Play and the App Store.

IkotMNL

Although ikotMNL is a tourism campaign by the Light Rail Manila Corporation for foreign and local travelers in the city, it's still a pretty nifty app to have if you plan to go to destinations and attractions that are accessible by the LRT-1. Whether it's taking a trip to Baclaran Market or the San Sebastian Church and Luneta Park in United Nations, ikotMNL is the app to have if you’re planning to sight marvelous architectures and nature, and hunt for bargains and bites. IkotMNL is available on the App Store and Google Play.

Angkas

You're probably wondering what Angkas is doing here, but we deem it necessary to include this passenger transport and curb-side delivery service app for being the hero Filipinos need, but don't deserve. Need to get somewhere urgently but Grab is too expensive? Take Angkas. Not willing to fight for your life to squeeze into the already-crammed trains today or for some reason there aren't any jeepneys passing by your route and you're running late? Angkas is there for you.

Even amid the pandemic, Angkas has taken steps to continue serving its users through the Angkas Passenger Transport and follows government COVID-19 protocols to keep its riders and passengers safe. If you're planning to travel via Angkas amid the pandemic, you need to bring your own motorcycle helmet with a full-faced visor and lock. For the rest of Angkas’ COVID-19 backriding advisory, go here.