"Discipline" by ARK

Yesterday, Dev and I went to our college to claim our registration cards. As we flew, we passed by the Light Rail Transit commonly known as the LRT. This public transportation system has always been convenient for ordinary people. But it’s a bit like a curved blade: with convenience comes the opposite (well, it’s also inconvenient)

Many people ride the LRT because it is cheap and easy to access. But with everybody trying to get inside a single train at the same time, it usually turns into a catastrophe. People push each other- violently at times- just to get to their destinations on time. It’s a rule, actually: you won’t get anywhere without pushing anyone. If you don’t encounter this type of rush during your first LRT trip, consider yourself lucky.

The guards do their best to keep discipline- I can see their effort. But people are not very obedient. It’s every man for himself, especially if you’re late for work. You stop caring about who you push, who gets hurt, and who gets left behind. What matters is you’re not the one who gets pushed, not the one who gets hurt, and you’re not the one who gets left behind.

Hovering over the LRT yesterday, I noticed something different- something so unusual, it caught my attention. Had the people inside the train station not been disciplined, I would have deemed everything as “normal”. But they were. The guards have somehow established a new rule. People can no longer push each other, ‘cause they are forced to stay in lines. That means only those in front can enter the incoming train. Who needs to push if they are the ones in front? It’s just a matter of waiting for your turn.

It was beautiful to look at. Finally, there was some sort of control over the whole situation. It was no longer a catastrophe. Sure, there are still hundreds of people inside the train stations, but at least those hundreds aren’t battling against each other. The LRT has found peace.

I wonder how long this will last though. I know some people want to be disciplined, but it’s hard to do when everyone around you isn’t. I hope this change is permanent. All I want is permanent discipline. After all, it’s a step towards growth.