From Grab to Jeepney: How I Save ₱7,500 a Month and Gain More

For the past few weeks, I’ve shifted from booking Grab rides to commuting via public utility jeepneys (PUJs). At first, it was purely a financial decision. But over time, I realized that this simple shift gave me not just savings, but also lessons, habits, and experiences worth keeping.

1. A Huge Difference in Cost

A jeepney ride costs only ₱13, while a 3-kilometer Grab ride can range from ₱200 to ₱250. That’s almost a 20-fold difference! By choosing jeepneys, I save at least ₱7,500 per month—money I now invest in a Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF). It may be a long way until retirement, but every peso set aside counts.

2. Opportunity to Walk for Fitness

Commuting by jeepney requires walking—from the terminal to my office building and back again. I now treat this as part of my fitness journey. Walking under the morning sun, which I missed during my Grab-riding days, helps me stay active while also soaking in natural light that boosts my mood and energy.

3. The Human Experiencence

Riding a jeepney puts me shoulder to shoulder with people from all walks of life. It’s humbling. When traffic gets bad, the streets flood, or the cramped space becomes uncomfortable, I’m reminded of the resilience of Filipino workers who endure these daily struggles.

There’s also a kind of honesty that quietly runs through jeepney rides—fares being passed from hand to hand until they reach the driver. And let’s not forget the multitasking skills of the drivers themselves: navigating through traffic while collecting fares, giving change, and sometimes even chatting with passengers.

4. Learning to Adjust

Not everything is pleasant, of course. Some passengers play reels on full volume, or talk loudly with companions, or over a phone call, but I’ve learned to zone out by closing my eyes and creating my own “quiet bubble.” These small moments give me space to pray silently, think about my day, or just drift off in peace.

I’ve also adapted by carrying a compact bag instead of my usual large one, giving seatmates more space. My rule of thumb is that the bag needs to be narrower than my hips. I don’t wear jewelry or flaunt my phone now too —precautions that help me stay safe from potential snatchers (I’ve had a few harrowing experience with such in the past).

5. Gratitude and Mindfulness

Commuting by jeepney has made me more mindful—about saving for the future, about valuing resilience, and about appreciating affordable options still available to us. Yes, I sometimes miss the comfort of Grab. Someday, I hope to buy a car for my family, to bring my kids to nice places. But for now, the jeepney ride to office works just fine.

In fact, it’s more than just a ride. It’s a reminder that simple choices can shape our health, finances, and perspective on life. For my readerships unfamiliar to how jeepneys look like, see a photo below: