There are a couple of metro and light train lines in Manila. The MRT goes north – south, along the EDSA, the main road in Manila.
The metro feels like a safe place. There are people everywhere and security guards are frisking all passengers before entering the platform area. Tickets can be bought at the stations.
The trouble with the MRT is that it is over-crowded, meaning that you have to queue to even get into the station during the rush hour. Built for 350 000 daily passengers, but used by 550 000 passengers daily (Wikipedia). Well inside the train you are packed like a Greek pillar in storage with many more sweating Greek pillars. Squeezing out at your station, your body will touch many other bodies.
Pickpockets are said to use the MRT as well, but we have not spotted any.
Travelling outside the rush ours, the MRT has served us very well.
Tickets are cheap, a trip from Shaw Boulevard to Ayala (4 stations) is 16 PHP, 0,30 euros.
Tomorrow we are leaving Manila for the first time.