Traffic Congestion

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), traffic congestion is characterized as the
point where the performance of the transportation system becomes unacceptable due to disruptions
caused by traffic. The FHWA elaborates on this definition by noting that acceptable system performance
levels can differ based on factors such as the type of transportation facility, geographic location
(metropolitan, rural), time of day, as well as variations related to specific events or seasons. Kwikiriza
(2016) stressed that the failure to enforce laws contributes significantly to road congestion. Frequently,
drivers and other road users lack proper training in adhering to lane discipline. To be frank, the problem
intensifies at crowded junctions, particularly at traffic intersections, worsening the consequences of
inadequate lane discipline. These challenges are further magnified by a lack of adherence to the law,
necessitating stringent law enforcement. Moreover, travelers concur that ineffective mechanical control
devices and ineffectual traffic enforcers contribute to the problem of traffic congestion. According to
Jain, Sharma, and Subramanian (2012), road congestion may arise from narrow and inadequately
constructed roads, coupled with inefficiencies in managing diverse types of vehicles. This leads to
prolonged bottlenecks, reflecting the government's challenge in effectively managing traffic. In reality,
Kwikiriza (2016) observes that in developing nations, roads often exhibit characteristics of being narrow
and poorly constructed. Mahmud, Gope, and Chowdhury (2012) also added that when slow and fast-
moving vehicles share the same lane, the presence of slower vehicles has the effect of slowing down the
faster ones. De Guzman (2020) noted in his article that traffic enforcers affiliated with local government
units (LGUs) in the Philippines frequently prioritize enforcing convenient regulations such as number
coding and truck bans, while ignoring a consistent understanding of more hazardous violations such as
counterflowing. Also, inadequate control measures significantly contribute to the issue of traffic
congestion. Insufficiently regulated intersections, coupled with a lack of proactive measures to manage
traffic flow, exacerbate the challenges. Additionally, the absence of technological advancements in
traffic control systems further underscores the need for comprehensive improvements in implementing
effective control measures (Delizo, 2014).

Transit System

The Philippines has a diverse range of transit systems catering to its various regions and cities. Here are
some details about the transit systems. Metro Manila, the capital, Metro Manila, has an extensive
network of public transportation, including the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT)
systems. These trains serve commuters across the metropolis, connecting key areas like Quezon City,
Pasay, and Makati.

Jeepneys, These brightly decorated jeeps are an iconic part of the Philippine transit system. They serve
as a popular mode of transportation in many cities and provinces, providing flexible routes and
affordable fares for short-distance travel.

Buses, within and between cities, buses operate on various routes, offering both air-conditioned and
non-air-conditioned options. Provincial buses connect Metro Manila to other regions across the country.
Tricycles, widely used for short-distance trips, especially in smaller towns and villages, tricycles are
motorbikes with sidecars, offering an affordable mode of transportation.

Ferries, in some cities like Cebu and Manila, ferries provide an essential mode of transport, especially for
commuters living in the outlying islands, connecting them to the mainland.

Taxi services, available in urban areas, taxis offer a more comfortable but relatively pricier mode of
transportation compared to jeepneys and buses.

Efforts have been ongoing to improve and modernize these systems to address issues like traffic
congestion, safety concerns, and accessibility, with plans for expansions and upgrades in various regions.
Meanwhile, the excerpt discusses various studies on fare elasticity in transit and rideshare industries. It
highlights studies such as Linsalata and Pham's work focusing on transit demand forecasting, using an
ARIMA model to estimate price elasticity, indicating a 10% fare increase could lead to a 33% decrease in
transit ridership.

Other studies, like the TRIPS model, showed lower elasticity (-0.08), while Goodwin found an average
bus fare elasticity of -0.41 across 50 studies. Richard Voith's study on commuter rail transit in
Philadelphia suggested that long-term transit ridership was more elastic to price and service changes
than in the short term, with significant impacts from service frequency, alternative transportation prices,
and other factors. These studies reveal a wide range of price elasticities in transit, emphasizing how
riders react differently to fare changes, service levels, and alternative transport options, providing
insights into the complexities of predicting transit demand and its sensitivity to various factors.

Transportation Network

In the study areal, it is composed of only radial roads. The urbanized area of the municipalities of Oton,
Pavia, and Leganes is formed at a distance of about 10 km from Iloilo City proper, as are those of San
Miguel, Sta. Barbara and Zarraga are at about 15 km radius, and Cabatuan is at about 23 km radius. Due
to the lack of circumferential roads, trips between the above town propers (such as Oton to Pavia or vice
versa) have to pass through Iloilo City. Among inter-city roads, Iloilo-Roxas Road carries the heaviest
traffic, followed by Iloilo-Sta. Barbara-Kalibo Road and Iloilo Antique Road. When the airport is
transferred to Cabatuan, Iloilo-Sta. Barbara Road will carry the heaviest traffic. The inter-city road passes
through the town proper of Oton, Leganes, and Zarraga, where a bypass is needed to separate through
traffic and local traffic. b) Iloilo City. A mesh-type road network is formed within Iloilo City proper.
Roadsides of all roads have been densely built up; widening of existing roads or construction of new
roads is extremely difficult. The roads outside Iloilo City proper is a complex one. The sides of most roads
have also been densely developed. The trip desire line shows that there is a high demand for trips that
wish to travel in a circumferential direction at about the Iloilo City boundary.

The City Government of Iloilo plans to expand urban areas outside the existing urbanized areas by
controlling further development of the city proper area. However, a road that guides the planned urban
expansion does not exist yet. Heavy traffic will be concentrated on roads not only inside Iloilo City but
also within a radius of 10 km (or between Oton, Pavia, Leganes, and Iloilo City). Inside Iloilo City, all
radial roads will exceed their traffic capacity, most of which have a slight possibility of widening. Inside
Iloilo City proper, most of the roads, except 4-lane divided roads, will exceed their capacity. However,
further widening of such roads is extremely difficult. The Study on Transportation Network
Improvement for the Development of Regional Growth Centers in the Republic of the Philippines
Executive Summary supports the road network development objectives and strategies that ensures the
reduction of traffic congestion in the city proper area.

One of the economic growth is seen in the gross regional domestic product (GDP) of this region, where
Iloilo City resides, has increased from 3.7 to 5.5 for period of 2010 to 2011 (NSCB,2012). Six provinces
make up the Western Visayas Region, with Iloilo City serving as its hub. This indicates that Iloilo City is
essential to the growth of the area. There are basically seven major districts that make up the city. As
seen in Figure 2 above, these are Jaro, Mandurriao, La Paz, Lapuz, Arevalo, Molo, and City Proper. The
180 barangays that make up each of these districts further divide and form the entire city.

Regarding the entire economic advancement of the city and surrounding area, the transportation
infrastructure is crucial to the city's continued growth. Jeepneys are Iloilo City's primary public
transportation option for urban commuters. Independent drivers drive the jeepneys along
predetermined routes that are provided by the city's transportation authority. About 20 people can fit
inside a jeepney at once. The tricycle is another form of transportation that is typically used as an
entrance to or exit from a primary mode of transportation, such as the jeepney. While other travelers,
who also own cars and motorcycles, can use their own private motor vehicles.

In a recent study, Landoy et al. (2012) established the relationship between speed and density of flow
along a few primary roads in Iloilo City, namely the National Highway, Lopez Jaena St., Diversion Road,
General Luna St., and J.M. Basa St. The researchers came to the conclusion that traffic congestion is
likely to occur because, according to the Greenshield and Greenburg models, the maximum vehicle flow
is 1398.79 veh/hr and 1090 veh/hr, respectively. These numbers are almost at the Highway Capacity
Manual's (HCM) optimal standards of 1700 veh/hr for the specified roads. It is reasonable to assume
that these values will rise throughout the day and eventually surpass the HCM limit, which will cause
traffic congestion on these roads. The development of transportation network will guide and support
planned urban development. Just like the formation of flexible transportation networks, which will
provide alternative routes to road users. It is objectively designed to contribute to the economic
development of the study area as well as its hinterland.

A transportation network that will realize the expected investment effects of related projects and
development with environmental and social considerations. There is also a need to reduce unnecessary
traffic in the city proper area through full utilization of existing road stock in the city proper area,
providing new roads in strategic areas, and improving the transport efficiency of the routes that connect
agricultural production areas, agro-industry areas, and export facilities. Strengthening accessibility to
new routes and avoiding road network development in environmentally and socially critical areas may
lift the basic concepts for the development of road network configuration in the city area and its
adjacent property areas. Due to the wide spread of the build-up area, new road construction requires a
high number of dislocations of people and structures and therefore is not planned. The widening of the
existing road is planned only for the section where the adverse social impact is minimal. Measures other
than road development are recommended, including control of further urban development.
Urbanization should target areas outside of this area. Efficient traffic management: a modular shift from
jeepneys to city buses.

Effects of Tricycles/Trisikad

This delves into the localized effects of tricycle operations on Sara Family Hospital Clinic situated in
Midsayap, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities presented by tricycle transportation in this
specific context. By examining existing research and local insights, this review aims to provide a
comprehensive understanding of how tricycles influence healthcare services at Sara Family Hospital and
contribute to environmental dynamics in the Midsayap area. Rules are established to set boundaries for
individuals' behaviors, and some are implemented due to evolving circumstances. Environmental laws
are crucial, particularly in industries such as transportation, contributing to the betterment of our
surroundings. Tricycles are recognized as a vital means of transportation in various provinces, serving as
a key link to public transport, especially in rural areas. Riding a tricycle is ingrained in the daily lives of
many, especially in Cabanatuan City, known as the Tricycle Capital of the Philippines. According to De
Jesus in 2022, The significance of tricycle driving extends to neighboring cities and municipalities where
it serves as a primary source of income for many drivers, emphasizing its importance in the City of
Cabanatuan. (Villanueva 2022)

Localized Healthcare Accessibility, Investigating the role of tricycles in enhancing accessibility to Sara
Hospital Clinic, particularly in areas with limited public transportation options. Understanding the unique
needs of patients in Midsayap is crucial for tailoring healthcare services effectively.

Traffic Flow and Congestion, Examining the influence of tricycle operations on traffic flow around Sara
Hospital, including potential congestion issues, patient transportation delays, and the overall
effectiveness of existing traffic management systems.

Environmental Impacts, Scrutinizing the environmental consequences of tricycle use in Midsayap, with a
focus on air quality, noise pollution, and region-specific ecological challenges. This analysis provides
insights into the sustainability of tricycle operations in this particular environment.

Infrastructure and Parking Challenges, Investigating how the increased use of tricycles affects the
infrastructure of Sara Hospital, particularly in terms of parking facilities. Understanding the strain on
existing infrastructure helps in developing strategies to optimize parking and traffic management around
the hospital.

Community Engagement and Regulations, Assessing the effectiveness of community engagement

initiatives and local regulations pertaining to tricycle operations. Examining how local policies influence
tricycle usage around healthcare facilities and exploring community perceptions and preferences
contributes to a nuanced understanding of the situation.

This integrates current knowledge and local perspectives to assess the impact of tricycle operations on
Sara Hospital Clinic in Midsayap and its vicinity. By focusing on the specific challenges and opportunities
in this context, decision-makers can make informed choices to improve healthcare access, traffic control,
and environmental sustainability in the region. Additional research and community engagement are
essential for fine-tuning strategies that resonate with the unique dynamics of Midsayap.