Hello there fellow Steemians! 👋😊 March already ended and it's a more summer feel as the heat of April scorches. (might i be too over-reacting?) But the weather is so unpredictable today. I did not expect rain showers this early. I also forgot my umbrella. Oh well, it's just rain water. Never heard someone died by soaking his wet clothes on the rain. ☔ Hahaha! 😁 So for today, rain or shine, I am completely safe and sheltered under the protection of this Bus. That is why I made this article. To those who are in Antipolo area going to Ortigas Center Pasig City, I would like to share some travel tips in commuting. You might find this article helpful in a way.

To lessen the traffic in the town proper, Antipolo City Government proclaimed a new ordinance to relocate the terminal stations of Public Utility Jeepneys and Public Utility Vehicles used for transport. The place of relocation is the spacious parking lot of Robinsons Place Antipolo.

It became a burden for commuters who happen to live near the former locations of the terminal stations. But for the sake of the city's development, everyone should follow the rules and regulations. At first, there were numerous complaints because of the fare going to Robinsons Place Antipolo. But later on, they find it beneficial as they witness the City's improvement on traffic.

In sync with the relocation, the city government also proposed to have a point-to-point bus system here in Antipolo. Nowadays, they follow the trend that Quezon City started. As long as it aids in the enhancement of Antipolo, the government is willing to support such projects.

_{There is a sign pointing towards the direction of the bus terminal}

September 2017 started the dry run for the commencement of the new terminal station. And on December of 2017, they are now implementing the departure of Point-to-point Buses routing from Robinsons Place Antipolo and heading to Robinsons Galleria Ortigas vice versa. In cooperation with RRCG Bus Liners Company and the management of Robinsons Malls, the proposed venture pioneered. Smooth sailing as it goes day by day. Both beneficial and profitable. Very promising and imposing. The end terminal in Robinsons Galleria also conducts point-to-point transport going to Antipolo. From Robinson to another Robinson, a huge benefit for the mall owners, huh?! 😏

While waiting for the bus, you can sit on the bench intended for the passengers boarding the bus. The management is also sensible on the condition of their passengers, attaching a sign of No Smoking in the zone. Because some passengers kill time by lighting up a cigarette, not minding the offensement on defying other people's privacy. They should respect other's preference and put into consideration as to not cause any disturbance.

I arrived at 10:30am. I checked the schedule first to assure the time of departure. Going to Ortigas area, experiencing heavy traffic is inevitable. Better to bring snacks with you while queueing or while inside the bus. And of course, don't forget the fluids. It's already summer season so it is a must to carry some thirst quenchers. Let's fight dehydration! 💧

The payment booth caters to the passengers buying tickets. Ticketing method used also upgraded because tickets were electronically printed. A lady cashier assists you while purchasing tickets. She is courteous enough to answer my questions and for allowing me to interview her a little. Since 30minutes of queueing period should pass, I established a conversation with her.

I also learned from her that a Beep card can be substituted so as not to buy and line up for the tickets. You just need to load certain amount into your beep card (I delegated 100pesos for consumption back and forth) and presto! Tap it on the Beep Sensor. You are now ready to go. 🚌

"The Wheels on the Bus"
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
round and round,
round and round.
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
all through the town.
(Roll hands around each other)

The wipers on the bus go Swish, swish, swish;
Swish, swish, swish;
Swish, swish, swish.
The wipers on the bus go Swish, swish, swish,
all through the town.
("Swish" hands in front of you like windshield wipers)

The horn on the bus goes Beep, beep, beep;
Beep, beep, beep;
Beep, beep, beep.
The horn on the bus goes Beep, beep, beep,
all through the town.
(Slap palm in front of you like honking a horn)

The doors on the bus go open and shut;
Open and shut;
Open and shut.
The doors on the bus go open and shut;
all through the town.
(Push hands back and forth in front of you)

The Driver on the bus says "Move on back,
move on back, move on back;"
The Driver on the bus says "Move on back",
all through the town.
(Point thumb over your shoulder)

The baby on the bus says "Wah, wah, wah;
Wah, wah, wah;
Wah, wah, wah."
The baby on the bus says "Wah, wah, wah"
all through the town.
(Rub fists in front of eyes)

The mommy on the bus says "Shush, shush, shush;
Shush, shush, shush;
Shush, shush, shush."
The mommy on the bus says "Shush, shush, shush"
all through the town.
(Hold index finger in front of mouth as if saying shhh)

As I ascended into the steps of the bus, I felt like singing Justin's favorite nursery rhyme. It reminds me of happy thoughts while playing with my son. And as I board the bus, I inspected its entirety. Just in front of the door, a garbage bin can be seen. Cleanliness is properly observed as you can see on the premises.

The bus can be occupied by 40 passengers. It looks wide and spacious, mainly composed of seats arranged in pairs. The back seat though has 5 in a row, for families who wanted intact closeness or for barkadas seeking for bonding. Everyone is liberated to choose wherever they want to sit, but not to occupy 2 chairs at once. There are still plenty of customers waiting to be seated. But you may do so afterwards, if the bus already departed.

A certain row in the bus caught my attention. A group of 4 facing towards each other. I find it odd to try sitting there, with my back facing in the direction where the bus is headed. It may cause dizziness when you are not accustomed to this kind of view. But then, such interiors served their own purposes.

They also prioritize the first four rows to be used by the pregnant women, the elderly, persons with disabilities and mothers carrying their babies. The milennial age always deem convenience over ethics. Not allowing elders and ladies to sit first and selfishly claiming their seats as their own. Yet, this signage reminds everyone to give respect to the constituted ones. Hooray for the gentlemen acting with proper de quorum. 🎩

I guess it's time to go now. It's already 11am. I liked how the management follows promptness within their given time. If it says 11, sharp as can be, observes accurate chronology. The cold breeze from the air conditioner gently freezes. I turned it away from me because I don't want to feel too cold. The bus driver noticed me shivering and stated that the temperature is controlled by a thermostat. It will level down a bit as we head to our destination. Wow! Thanks manong, I appreciate your concern. Let me take a selfie first. 📷

I must say I enjoyed the privilege of riding on a point-to-point bus. No stopping and dropping anywhere so the journey is smooth and fast. I would like to recommend this mode of transportation for commuters seeking comfort and convenience as they travel to Antipolo via Ortigas. For only 50 pesos, this will take you to the terminal station. Punctuality checked! ✔ Cleanliness of the surroundings, 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Courtesy of the staff, hundred percent! 💯Overall, I am giving it a satisfaction rating of 10/10. You really have to try this one.

"Goodbye! Have a safe trip!!!"