Assessment of the current Transportation System management in Davao City with focus on Vehicular Flow Improvement.

Hazel Faith DC. Lirios

Thesis (M.S. Civil Engineering)-University of the Philippines Diliman-2004

Abstract

The City of Davao has been experiencing economic development for several years now due to its growing tourism industry, booming trade industry and its renewed role as the educational and commercial center of Mindanao. Its population is likewise experiencing an unprecedented growth as more people from other regions flock to this "Land of Promise" of the South.

Unfortunately, due to rapid urbanization, mobility problems arise. The economic development of Metro Davao has brought upscale on the vehicle volume, which results in traffic congestion during peak hours along major thoroughfares. If left unabated, this will pose a serious problem in the future and may hinder further development and economic growth of the city.

This paper aims to study the current Transportation System management (TSM) being practiced at Davao City. Likewise, this study aims to make more effective the present transportation system by presenting low-cost measures, which may be implemented by the local government to improve vehicular flow. The program TRAFNETSIM was used in simulating the existing transportation network and the possible changes it will undergo upon the implementation of the proposed improvements.

The results of the study show that the current TSM being practiced in Davao City is insufficient due to the ever-increasing volume of vehicles. According to DOTC IX, from 1993 to 1997, the annual average rate of increase of motor vehicle registration in Davao City is almost 11.00%. Likewise, the undisciplined behavior of pedestrians and drivers, and the lenient enforcement of laws by traffic aides greatly contribute to the traffic congestion. Finally, the study suggests the use of one-way streets, installation of traffic-acyuated devices and the prohibition of on-street parking along major thoroughfares. The measures incresed the average speeds along the major thoroughfares by 5.5% to as much as 31.16% and can reduce delay time by as much a 72.64%, thus improving the vehicular flow.

Subject Index : Traffic Engineering--Davao--Philippines