Semi-structured interviews are the most common qualitative data source used in qualitative

research. This involves a discussion between the researcher and the respondents, facilitated by a
flexible interview style. Using this method, the researcher can collect unstructured data and examine
participants' ideas, feelings, and beliefs. The interview will focus on face-to-face interviews, guided by
a list of topics or questions with follow-up inquiries, probes, and remarks.

Thematic analysis was also used in this study. It is a qualitative data analysis method that entails
reviewing a set of data and looking for patterns in meaning to derive themes. Understanding theme
analysis's scope and aim might be aided by situating it in relation to other qualitative analysis
methodologies. When analyzing a collection of qualitative data, such as interview transcripts, social
media profiles, or survey results, thematic analysis is a useful method for learning more about
people's beliefs, knowledge, experiences, or values. A researcher would also gather information from
a group of relevant people and then analyze it in order to respond to the questions. By categorizing
enormous data sets into general themes, thematic analysis gives you a great deal of flexibility in how
you interpret the data and makes it easier to work with large data sets.

A. Students utilizing public transportation

A1. Common problems in using public transportation

Public transportation was already one of the most pressing challenges for all communities,
particularly in large metropolitan cities where people are greatly concentrated in the same location at
the same time. Now that face-to-face classes have resumed, many students have used public
transportation from home to school. During peak hours, students and other commuters on different
routes in the same metropolitan area experience markedly varied degrees of congestion. According to
respondent 4 (“Probably when it's rush hour and you cannot ride any vehicle since most of them are
already full”). As stated by the students, road congestion is the most common cause of problems in
public transportation because the “majority of people use public transportation” to get to their
destination. Respondent 7 further noted that ("poor roads that sometimes cause an accident"). Such
as jeepneys and tricyles, which sometimes become the source of traffic as well as making them late
for their lessons.

Another problem with taking public transportation was the public transit shortage, which was made
worse by the poor economy and the expensive cost of private vehicle. Respondents 10 and 11 stated
that ("Insufficient Jeeps for Many People," "the Lack of Public Transportation Itself, and Poor
Economy; Not Everyone Can Afford A Private Vehicle"). As per their claims, a poor economy results in
a lack of transportation, which leads to an increase in over-commuters and causes pupils to come late
to school and leave late for home. Despite its many challenges, people still favor public transit
because they need to save money.

Few students also come across of struggling over too crowded when using public transportation. As
stated by respondent 12 (“I think when it is rush hours and people are like very eager to go home that
it causes over crowded”). Student 22 stated, (“Long lines and the hassle waiting for lrt or jeepneys
until it’s not too crowded”). Some students preferred to wait until the bus, lrt, jeepney, or trycle was
not overcrowded before riding to school or home. As a result, students got to their school very tired
and late when going to school and going home as well.

A2. Public transportation that students often use

Public transportation networks encompass many modes of transportation such as buses, light rail,
and subways. It contributes to ensuring that individuals can securely and reliably reach everyday
destinations such as workplaces, schools, healthy food outlets, and healthcare facilities. For those
who are unable to drive, such as those without access to personal vehicles, children, people with
disabilities, elderly citizens, and particularly students who frequently utilize public transit rather than
private transportation. Public transportation services are crucial, based on student 4 ("I always prefer
riding a jeepney since the cost is not that high and it is convenient to ride one because it is
everywhere"). One of their concerns was also financial. Student 3 stated ("Jeep. It is the most
convenient and affordable for students like me"). In general, many respondents said that taking a
jeepney is preferable to using other forms of transportation because it is more cheap from a
budgetary standpoint for students.

Further, most students who prefer public transportation prioritize time; if they believe there is still
enough time, they will take jeepneys, but if it is running late, they will take lrt because the station is
nearby to udm school. In agreement with student 11 who said, ("I like to take Jeep if I still have time,
but if I am catching my first subject it should be LRT") student 13 added, ("I prefer LRT because it is
much advisable when you are studying in UDM”). Fewer students also prefer taking the lrt because it
is faster, air conditioned, and avoids traffic. As stated by Student 21 ("I prefer using LRT, because it is
convenient and it is faster than the jeepney"). Similarly, according to students 6, 12, 13, and 20, taking
the lrt to school can help you get there faster and earlier than normal, keep your appearance fresh,
and keep the location less congested because the majority of their classes start at 5 a.m.

Many students, however, prefer utilizing private transportation because they feel it is more
convenient than public transit, despite the fact that it is significantly more expensive. According to
Student 16, ("Grab, it is the most convenient way if you want to go to your destination fast, however,
it is quite expensive"). Additionally, students 5 and 15 stated that private vehicles like a motor vehicle
and a car are much better than public transportation because there is no need to crowd or wait in line
with others and because they are more comfortable to ride on without making any considerations for
other passengers. Finally, while some students prefer private transportation, many students at udm
prefer public transportation since it can help them save money and become more independent as
they ride with other commuters. Other students come to the conclusion that taking public transit will
help you become more independent and will teach you a lot of strategic things that will benefit you in
the future.

B. Coping Mechanisms in the Face of Public Transportation Struggles

B1. Waking up early

Being late means showing up, arriving, or departing after the scheduled, customary, or
appropriate time. Improper time management: Students may put off doing their homework and
assignments until late at night; some even complete those tasks in the morning before coming to
class; others play computer games and watch cartoons; still others interact on social media; as a
result, they go to bed very late and cannot wake up early to prepare for school, which is the main
reason why many students end up in a rush hour with many commuters. Furthermore, respondents
stated that waking up early prevents being stuck in traffic, leads to a nice schedule, and notably leads
to a good smile and confidence throughout the day. For some reason, getting up early is a student's
remedy to avoid being late and those transit issues. As per student 1 stated, ("Of course, I always
wake up and early and get ready to go to school to avoid less hassles in commuting") which was
supported by student 16's claim ("Yes. According to my experience, waking up early and getting ready
fast is one of the solution that can help me arrive early to school. It also helps me with time even if I
encounter traffic on the way")

Additionally, the responses emphasize on the importance of getting up early. Making time for other
things and limiting their time on social media to get to bed early is one of the best coping mechanisms
they've learnt. Sleeping early has been one of the most efficient solutions for some students since it
allows them to manage their time spent preparing for school and the time spent waiting for buses,
lrts, or jeepneys to take them to school. They claim that this gives them extra time in case there are
any unforeseen accidents that cause minor delays or congested traffic. Because of this, getting up
early and going to school early will definitely reduce delays. Student 7 stated "(Yes. Para mas bumaba
yung chance ng late minutes mo kung sakaling traffic man or walang masakyan. Kung mas maaga rin
kasi natatakasan mo yung traffic hours kung saan nakakasabay mo yung mga papasok sa trabaho

However, while most students answer by going to bed early in order to wake up early for school,
other respondents disagree because they believe that waking up early is not the only solution to
traffic or other public transit problems. In accordance to student 18, ("Apart from the fact that being
early is vital, transportation, proper road policy implementation and light traffic should be considered
as well"). Another student said, 24 ("Aside from waking up early I think that the government should
also look for a solution to the conflicts of public transportation.") Despite several difficulties with
public transit, students find a way to look into a more simpler solution. Contingent upon student 9
("For some instances, yes. But sometimes, we cannot prevent the rush of passengers to be able to
arrive at their own destinations, so much better if we wake up early"). After all, getting up early has
great benefits for all and can be a solutions in many ways.