Carts on Rails Assist Manila’s Commuters in Avoiding Gridlock – Reuters

Manila’s Trolley Boys: A Unique Solution to Traffic Woes

By Ronn Bautista

Every day, thousands of commuters in Manila navigate the city’s notorious traffic jams, but instead of boarding trains, many choosing to hop onto wooden carts that glide along the railway tracks. These carts, commonly referred to as trolleys, are equipped with colorful umbrellas providing shade and can accommodate up to 10 passengers at a time, charging just 20 cents per ride—often cheaper than train fares.

Reynaldo Diaz, a 40-year-old operator known as a "trolley boy," explains his motivation: "I do this because it provides us with easily earned money." He is among over 100 individuals pushing the trolleys along the 28-km track, often donning little more than flimsy flip-flops. Diaz, who has worked as a trolley boy since he was 17, lives in a makeshift shelter near the tracks with his two sons. He earns about $10 a day, just enough to support his family.

Despite claiming they are merely "borrowing" the tracks, the Philippine National Railways has announced intentions to halt this makeshift transport service following media scrutiny of the inherent dangers. Trolley boys and their passengers must constantly be on the lookout for approaching trains to avoid collisions.

"We’re always scared of the trains," admits Jun Albeza, 32, a trolley boy for four years after losing his plumbing and construction job. He explains that they keep vigilant, regularly checking behind them, and rely on each other for warnings.

When a train approaches, trolley boys quickly lift the lightweight carts off the track and steer clear, along with their passengers. Fortunately, no fatalities have been recorded since the service began decades ago, with a police officer confirming that records show no casualties associated with the trolley rides.

"It is really dangerous and should not be allowed, but we understand it’s their livelihood," said police officer Bryan Silvan. "They’ve popped up like mushrooms along the tracks, and even formed their own association."

The Philippine National Railways once had a robust network of over 100 stations that sprawled beyond Manila when it began operating in the 1960s. However, neglect and natural calamities have diminished its operations by two-thirds, despite the capital’s population now approximating 13 million.

For many office workers and students, the time saved on their commutes with the trolleys outweighs the risks involved. "The distance to our workplaces is actually shorter through this route," noted Charlette Magtrayo, an office worker.

As the trolley boys continue to provide this unconventional transport solution, their existence highlights the challenges faced by an expanding urban population in combating Manila’s relentless traffic congestion.