Commuting in the Philippines: A Daily Struggle That Shapes How Filipinos Live and Work

New nationwide study finds public transport remains the country’s backbone — but congestion, long travel hours, and stress make commuting both a personal burden and a national challenge.

21 November 2025, Manila, Philippines — A new nationwide study by Agile Data Solutions Inc., through its survey arm Hustle PH, reveals that the daily commute remains one of the biggest shared struggles among Filipinos. Based on responses from 18,750 respondents, the report shows that while work and school remain the top reasons for travel, congestion, long travel times, and unreliable public transport continue to dominate commuter frustrations.

“Commuting has become both a necessity and an endurance test,” said Jason Gaguan, Co-founder of Agile Data Solutions Inc. “It’s how most Filipinos get to work and school every day — but it’s also where they lose the most time, energy, and peace of mind.”

The Reality of Travel

Public transportation remains the country’s primary mobility lifeline. Jeepneys, tricycles, and buses dominate daily travel, while private vehicles serve only a small minority.

Over half of respondents commute for under an hour, but a significant number lose one to two hours or more each day. Travel time is mostly spent scrolling on phones, listening to music, or resting, reflecting on how commuters adapt to long, unproductive hours.

Emotionally, the toll is heavy: respondents frequently cite stress, boredom, and fatigue, outweighing any sense of productivity.

“Filipinos are remarkably adaptable, but commuting is taking a real toll on their well-being,” Gaguan added. “Public transport keeps the economy moving — but for many, it’s also what’s wearing them down.”

Pain Points and Trade-offs

Traffic congestion tops the list of challenges, cited by over 80% of respondents, followed by delays and overcrowding in public transport.

The effects go beyond inconvenience: 72% say their commute harms their work-life balance, and more than half have considered changing jobs just to shorten travel time.

Time and cost are the main decision factors in choosing transport, yet both remain difficult to optimize.

“Commuters aren’t just inconvenienced — they’re forced to make lifestyle and career sacrifices,” said Gaguan. “Mobility has become a social issue that affects family life, productivity, and even job stability.”

Searching for Solutions

Many commuters acknowledge progress — such as new routes, improved punctuality, and digital transport apps — but core issues like overcrowding, long waits, and unreliable schedules remain.

A majority say they are willing to pay more for faster, more reliable service, and call for wider roads, better transportation options, and accessible public transportation areas.

“Commuters recognize the improvements, but they also know these are band-aid solutions,” Gaguan explained. “People are ready to invest in better systems if it means saving time and stress.”

Motorcycle Taxis: Fast, Flexible, and Familiar

Motorcycle taxis have emerged as a crucial alternative. 85% of commuters are aware of the service, and 66% have used one, with Angkas leading in awareness and usage. They are seen as fast, affordable, and accessible, though mostly used occasionally rather than daily.

Safety and pricing are top concerns, with reckless driving and fare disputes cited as main issues. Still, trust in rider professionalism and availability remains high, and demand for safety measures — from helmets and insurance to regular maintenance — is strong.

“Motorcycle taxis have reshaped urban mobility, offering speed and flexibility where traditional transport falls short,” said Gaguan. “But for them to scale sustainably, safety and regulation must go hand in hand with innovation.”

The Digital Edge

Technology is now integral to commuting. Most respondents are comfortable using mobile apps for motorcycle taxis, valuing digital payments, receipts, and real-time tracking.

A majority say they would pay extra for priority booking during rush hours, and many want expanded services — including deliveries, emergency rides, and scheduled trips.

“Digital integration isn’t optional anymore — it’s expected,” Gaguan emphasized. “Commuters want efficiency, control, and speed, all in one tap.”

The Road Ahead

Filipinos remain adaptable despite long hours and daily stress, embracing both traditional and new mobility options. Public transport continues to carry the majority, but requires urgent reform to meet modern demands.

Motorcycle taxis, backed by digital tools and strong commuter trust, demonstrate how innovation can fill mobility gaps.

“The future of commuting lies in balance — scale from public transport, flexibility from motorcycle taxis, and efficiency from technology,” said Gaguan. “That’s how we can turn daily struggle into genuine progress.”

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About Agile Data Solutions Inc.

Your agile partner in data-driven growth

Agile Data Solutions Inc. is the country’s premier market research technology company. Partnered with GCash, it has the largest panel size in the Philippines, boasting more than 74 million customer data points to date.

Agile’s hyper-targeted consumer modeling is powered by its data-gathering platform Hustle PH, which connects a network of over 1,000,000 respondents nationwide. Through advanced data collection and data engineering, Agile Data Solutions has become the preferred insights partner of Fortune 500 companies, banks, telecommunications, and technology firms across Southeast Asia.

For more information, visit https://www.agiledatasolutions.tech/ or email agilepartners@hustle-ph.com