M2_Untalan_Angelica_CE3205

“Projects we have completed demonstrate what we know, and future projects decide what we will learn.”

01 Give three (3) possible Philippine transportation goals which reflect the country’s social, economic, or political challenges. Additionally, provide at least two objectives to attain every goal that you have provided (from Module Write a narrative about an element of urban transportation concepts 02 we have discussed in the class. The narrative should have a minimum of 250 words and please indicate your sources. Choose only one from rapid urbanization, urban population density, motorization, public transport supply, road development, traffic accidents, air pollution, energy consumption and climate change, and traffic congestion

Transportation goal: Promote the transportation system's safety standards and regulatory compliance for both motorized and non- motorized users. Objective 1: Examine various factors that had a role, such as speeding and alcoholism, to draw a plan of action for project spending and improving security measures in varying places, including the offering of restricted cycling, pedestrian, and bus lane. Objective 2: Improve road safety education initiatives for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorized users, through conducting intensive seminars, initiatives, and training regarding basic rules (dos and don’ts) and safety reminders.

Transportation goal: Accessibility, sustainability, and mobility options for people and freight, should be improved and strengthened. Objective 1: Increase the efficient travel alternatives and convenient access to goods, services, jobs, and recreation for all people in the area regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, physical ability, and age. Objective 2: Shift person’s mode of the trip to higher occupancy vehicles (i.e., for trips going to work and school, increasing transit and carpooling will lessen single-occupant vehicles).

Transportation goal: Facilitate strategies to achieve partnerships in planning, financing, and implementing transportation projects. Objective 1: The transportation planning and decision-making process should be managed with local governments, relevant agencies, and the private sector working together to prioritize projects that can be efficiently maintained, and recognize limited funding available and possible additional sources. Objective 2: Stimulate strong community engagement and interaction between and among citizens as decisions in the implementation of transportation projects influence their mobility and accessibility alternatives.



TRAFFIC CONGESTION “Adding lanes to solve traffic congestion is like loosening your belt to solve obesity.” – Glen Hemistra In an article published by CNN Philippines (2020), it was stated that Manila has the second- worst traffic congestion out of 416 cities around the world as reported by a technology specialist. When traffic congestion is stressed, it is recognized as roads filled with different vehicles and sidewalks with brimming pedestrians, and a serious and worsening issue. In the transportation realm, familiar situations are excessive vehicles on roadways during a particular time which is slower than free-flow speeds as congestions are relevant to stop–and–go traffic (U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, n.d.). Obviously, the concern of congestion has been impeding the quality of urban and rural life as it increases travel time, fuel consumption, operating costs, and environmental pollution. It stems from the widespread necessities and desires of people to pursue mobility, inevitably overloading existing roads and transit systems every day. I supposed everyone hates traffic congestion, and despite several solutions, it continues to worsen.

Commuters, drivers, and other travelers are often frustrated with how their day starts waiting in line, in traffic, or in their seats, and ends the same way, and becomes a cycle. Overexploitation of the existing road system is a natural result of how individuals meet their mobility needs, as they may need to travel to places where necessary activities are done, including work, school, shopping, recreation, relaxation, and the likes. Number of vehicles is excessive, being a cliché phrase linked with “traffic congestion”. Many would suggest increasing road capacities but the real question is by how much, and to what extent. On the other side, many believed that road inadequacy is not the issue as more highways are built, then more vehicles would congest. Goals and objectives must be clear to have transparency in implementing the planned projects, and rules and regulations. In connection, road design and maintenance issues and driving habits that cause more congestion must be addressed appropriately with applicable plans. Enforce existing road traffic laws that are relevant to illegal parking, two-way parking, loading/unloading obstructions, pedestrian crossings, traffic signs, speed, and complicated junction and intersection right of way. Sustainable, accessible, and efficient range of transportation choices are becoming better and more available because as time passes by, improvements and research develop approaches to reduce the impact of traffic congestion. Traffic congestion occurs as people make use of the relevant hours of the day to carry on with their activities, marking them like the rush hours. Going to school and work, for example, necessitates early hours, and people would naturally commute at the same period in order to get on time. Improvement of public transportation will help the commuters and travelers to be more engaged and encouraged to patronize the use of public transportation vehicles such as buses and trains. Options are increased by people involved in this industry. Alternatives could include requiring non- motorized modes of transportation in near destinations, improving road lanes, using higher occupancy vehicles, ecological evaluations, safety requirements for accident mitigation, and far more. Note: Although traffic congestion is unavoidable, there are ways to lessen the rate at which it worsens. As a commuter, I undoubtedly claim that traffic congestion is one of the most visible challenges in the transportation industry as it causes so much wastage of time, delays, and stress. Here in the country, it has always been a rapidly growing issue as different causes simultaneously occur like accidents, too many road vehicles, irresponsible drivers and commuters, unregulated policies, and a lot more. We have to do our parts even though traffic congestion is unavoidable as opportunities to mitigate its risk and effects are possible.

Bull, A. (2003). Traffic Congestion: The Problem and How to Deal With It. Organization. https://repositorio.cepal.org/bitstream/handle/11362/37898/1/LCG2199P_en.pdf CNN Philippine Staff. (2020, January 30). Manila’s traffic congestion is second worst in the world, says report. CNN Philippines. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/1/30/Manila-second-worst-traffic- congestion-report.html Department of Transportation and Highways. (n.d.). Examples of Transportation Plan Goals, Objectives and Performance Measures. Connecting Cook County. http://www.connectingcookcounty.org/pdf/06_05_14_Meeting/LRTP%20Goals %20and%20Objectives%20Examples.pdf Downs, A. (2022, March 9). Traffic: Why It’s Getting Worse, What Government Can Do. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/research/traffic-why-its-getting- worse-what-government-can-do/ Goals & Objectives | www.gtcmpo.org. (n.d.). GTC. https://www.gtcmpo.org/488 Master Transportation Study. (n.d.). MTS. https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/Home/ShowDocument?id=3001 Rosen, A. (2013, July 8). What Really Causes Traffic Congestion? Bklyner. https://bklyner.com/what-really-causes-traffic-congestion-sheepshead-bay/ Traffic Congestion and Reliability: Trends and Advanced Strategies for Congestion Mitigation: Chapter 2. (n.d.). . https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/congestion_report/chapter2.htm