Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION

A.    Background of the Study

Trains are considered one of the fastest modes of transportation in the Philippines. Compared to taking the bus, taking the train is more convenient especially when you’re in a rush. Although being elbowed and jolted is common since most people prefer this, and most people are always on a rush, and mostly don’t have a choice, it is guaranteed that taking the train can save you more time.

It is also one of the most popular among commuters due to the fact that it can take 560,000 passengers daily from north to south, and vise versa, in half an hour, according to an article entitled “Messed-up Transport System” by Tita Valderama.

Valderama wrote, “The MRT and LRT lines offer rapid transport of passengers from one end to the other. But you cannot expect convenience at the same time, particularly during the morning and early evening rush hours.” (http://www.manilatimes.net/messed-up-mass-transport-system/74431/)

Although it is a fact that public transportation causes of air pollution, it is not that main reason for it. It actually is one big of a help in reducing the pollution of the already polluted air that we are used to breathing. More vehicles means more pollution, so that explains that.

The article “Taking the Bus (vs) Compared to Driving a Car” by The Girls says that Carbon Dioxide from bus emits 89g of CO₂ per km while a typical car emits 133g per km (.625 mile). As a result, the average car emits fifty percent (50%) more CO₂ per mile than the bus. The Girls states that a huge automobile population, even when ready with the most up-to-date emissions control, is a main source of air pollution. It would add expansively to CO₂ emissions, generally considered to be a major cause of global warming. 

The Girls wrote, “Between your commuting time from destination A to B, your mood and mental health have possibly improved and you probably formulated a better answer to your problems.” (http://thegirls.hubpages.com/hub/Gas-vs-Bus)

In spite of all the benefits public transportation can offer, the fact that it can relentlessly harm a commuter’s life is reality. Not only can it have physical effects, but also have a negative impact on one’s health, relationships, and mental and emotional stability.

The biggest effects of long commutes to work tend to be personal relationships, stress-related health issues, and work performance. Each person reacts differently when being pulled down. But as studies show, most people react negatively to this. Having to commute everyday makes you feel like nothing's ever worth it. It makes things pointless because you're not satisfied, which leads to crap work. 

Many commuters deal with these problems as if it’s something that is permanent and unfixable. However, having enough knowledge about how public transportation negatively affects one’s life will help commuters balance their commuting and personal lives.

This paper focuses on how commuting affects us, and what we can do to compensate.

B.     Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer the question:

In what ways can commuting affect us, and what can we do to compensate?

C.    Significance of the Study

Students. Most students would benefit from this study because public transportation is not only a part of their daily routine but also is a factor that affects their performance in school.

Drivers. Without them, public transportation wouldn’t exist. This study will not only help them value road safety, but mostly understand deeper the reason behind every passenger’s behavior.

Regular Commuters. This research paper would be able to help everyone who takes public transportation of all ages, especially those who take it on a daily basis. Moreover, the researcher hopes that pointing out how commuting affects one’s life would help in finding the perfect balance between personal and commuting life.

Future Researchers. This study is essential for researchers to make similar studies since there still seems to be a lack of information with regards to the issue.

D.    Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on how commuting affects us, and what we can do to compensate.

Due to lack of time and information, this study will no longer discuss how commuting affects the way people interact with other people but rather focus on how it affects oneself. This is for the benefit of one to help and understand him/herself better.

E.     Materials and Methods

Information applicable to the study was gathered from a mixture of reference materials such as books and articles from online resources.

Descriptive research was also used in this study in order to have a deeper understanding towards the effects of commuting in one’s life.

F.     Definition of Terms

1.      Anxiety - a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

2.      Emission - the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.

3.      Jolted – to push or shake (someone or something) abruptly and roughly.

4.      Procrastination - the action of delaying or postponing something.