THE CAUSES OF TRAFFIC CONGESTIONS

IN BARANGAY BALUD DURING

WORKING HOURS

By:
Matthew M. Voz
Erica Davila
Jerwin Ramirez
John Sedrix Gementiza
Angelica Gabriele
Alfred Cagomoc
ABSTRACT

Traffic congestion is one of the most visible, pervasive, and immediate transport

problems plaguing not only India's but also most of the cities of the world on a daily basis. It

affects all modes of transportation especially roads and all socioeconomic groups. Rapid

population growth, increasing urbanization, inadequate/unplanned transport infrastructure, poor

public transport systems and the rising number of personnel vehicles are some of the primary

causes of congestion. This article reviews the findings of studies based on road traffic

congestion. Various traffic congestion measurement metrics have been discussed. These

matrices categorized into three parts (1) Travel time based, (2) speed based and (3) level of

service-based. Also, congestion data collection techniques employed in different studies have

been discussed. The findings of the study indicate that improved traffic management and

control, better public transport services, increases in funding for transport infrastructure, use of

modern technology and overall coordination of transport and land-use policies are important

parameters to reduce congestion.

INTRODUCTIONS

Traffic congestion is a condition in transport that is characterized by slower speeds,

longer trip times, and increased vehicular queuing. Traffic congestion on urban road networks

has increased substantially since the 1970s. When traffic demand is great enough that the

interaction between vehicles slows the traffic stream, this results in congestion. While congestion

is a possibility for any mode of transportation, this research will focus on automobile congestion

on public roads.
 As demand approaches the capacity of a road (or of the intersections along the road),

extreme traffic congestion sets in. When vehicles are fully stopped for periods of time, this is

known as a traffic jam or (informally) a traffic snarl-up or a tailback.

Drivers can become frustrated and engage in road rage. Drivers and driver-focused road

planning departments commonly propose to alleviate congestion by adding another lane to the

road. This is ineffective: increasing road capacity induces more demand for driving.

Traffic congestion occurs when a volume of traffic generates demand for space greater

than the available street capacity; this point is commonly termed saturation. Several specific

circumstances can cause or aggravate congestion; most of them reduce the capacity of a road at a

given point or over a certain length, or increase the number of vehicles required for a given

volume of people or goods. About half of the Philippine traffic congestion is recurring, and is

attributed to sheer weight of traffic; most of the rest is attributed to traffic incidents, road work

and weather events. In terms of traffic operation, rainfall reduces traffic capacity and operating

speeds, thereby resulting in greater congestion and road network productivity loss.

Traffic research still cannot fully predict under which conditions a "traffic jam" (as

opposed to heavy, but smoothly flowing traffic) may suddenly occur. It has been found that

individual incidents (such as crashes or even a single car braking heavily in a previously smooth

flow) may cause ripple effects (a cascading failure) which then spread out and create a sustained

traffic jam when, otherwise, the normal flow might have continued for some time longer.

Traffic congestions has numerous negative effects such as: Delays, which may result in

late arrival for employment, meetings, and education, resulting in lost business, disciplinary
action or other personal losses; Wasting time of motorists and passenger; Stressed and frustrated

motorists; blocked traffic may interfere with the passage of emergency vehicles traveling to their

destinations where they are urgently needed.

Research on traffic congestion is significant for several reasons, as it addresses critical

issues that affect individuals, communities, and economies. Here are some key aspects of the

significance of research on traffic congestions: Traffic congestion has a substantial economic

impact. It results in wasted time and fuel, increased transportation costs, and reduced

productivity. Understanding the economic consequences helps policymakers make informed

decisions to improve transportation infrastructure and efficiency. Congested traffic contributes to

increased emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. Research in this area can provide

insights into the environmental impact of traffic congestion, helping to develop strategies and

policies to reduce pollution and promote sustainable transportation alternatives. Traffic

congestion negatively affects the quality of life for individuals in affected areas. Long commute

times, stress, and frustration can lead to reduced well-being. Research helps identify the factors

contributing to these issues and informs the development of solutions to improve overall quality

of life. Understanding the causes and patterns of traffic congestion is crucial for effective

infrastructure planning. Research helps identify areas where new roads, public transportation

options, or other infrastructure improvements are needed to alleviate congestion and improve

overall transportation efficiency. Prolonged exposure to traffic congestion can have health

implications due to increased air pollution and stress. Research can shed light on the specific

health risks associated with traffic-related pollutants, aiding in the development of public health

strategies and policies: Research on traffic congestion contributes to the field of urban planning

and design. It helps city planners create more efficient and sustainable urban environments,
including the design of road networks, public transportation systems, and the integration of smart

city technologies. Congested traffic can lead to safety issues, including a higher risk of accidents

and injuries. Research in this area helps identify safety hazards and informs the development of

measures to enhance road safety in congested areas. Policymakers rely on research findings to

formulate effective transportation policies. Evidence-based research helps policymakers

understand the root causes of congestion and implement measures to address them, such as

congestion pricing, improved public transportation, or the promotion of alternative modes of

transportation.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The worst thing in the world, after a long day at work, is undoubtedly having to endure

traffic. Although this is a severe example of a first-world issue, it is unquestionably significant

and impacts nearly all working people. The workday is typically incredibly draining and can

seem to go on forever. According to Iman Naieem (2018), bumper to bumper traffic doesn't

make things better—rather, it makes them ten times worse.

According to Talukdar (n.d.), One of the major issues facing all major cities today is

traffic congestion, which is a direct outcome of urbanization's rapid growth and always has a

detrimental impact on society. Thus, the primary goal of this work is to create a framework for

mitigating traffic congestion that will be helpful to civil engineers, urban planners, transportation

planners, policy makers, and researchers who are interested in or currently working in traffic

congestion management. The primary information source for this is the literature review. This

paper begins by providing a theoretical definition of traffic congestion, followed by a brief

explanation of its causes. Following the explanation of the causes, a framework for supply-side

and demand-side congestion management strategies is developed, and common management

practices that are used globally are explained.

According to Gallenero, Mary Darell, and colleagues (2017), traffic congestion can

cause students to arrive late for class. This is one of the most frequent reasons I bring up this

issue, even though some students are expected to arrive early but their arrival time is impacted

by traffic. Another is transportation; not all students own their own, so they most likely take the

jeepney or another form of shared transportation, and because of the distance between their home

and the school, they have trouble getting there.

Simeon Maile and Mary Motolani Olowoyo (2017) state that it seems that physical

distance and a lack of transportation are additional factors contributing to students arriving late to

school, making the problem seem unsolvable. The majority of the learners had long commutes to

and from school, which presented several challenges. Students should be aware of the issues

since doing so will enable them to take ownership of their education and arrive at class early.

According to Linda Wasmer Andrews (2015) that stress, rage, and anxiety are frequently

brought on by traffic congestion. Furthermore, inadequate transportation can hasten low student

attendance and absenteeism, which are early indicators of declining educational standards. Also,

according to Rina Faturohman (2013), the majority of the students had bad grades, and several of

them were tardy due to traffic. Because of traffic, insufficient traffic enforcement, inappropriate

passenger loading and unloading, jaywalking, and other factors, kids' academic performance

suffers.
 According to John Michael O. Paypa (2017), one of the main problems in the Philippines

is the impact of traffic on laborers and employees. Traffic congestion causes employees and

students to arrive late for work and school, as well as anger and stress from long commutes,

lengthy travel times, and lost personal time.

Because it can have a negative impact on both the environment and people, traffic

congestion is a major issue. In order to address this issue, the government should improve the

public transit system in order to address the issues with traffic congestion as well (Faturohman,

2013).

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The research aimed to discuss the status of traffic congestion in Brgy. balud Calbayog

City Samar. Traffic congestion, a pervasive urban challenge, is a complex phenomenon shaped

by multifaceted interactions among various elements within the transportation system. The

conceptual framework for understanding traffic congestion encompasses key components such as

traffic flow dynamics, infrastructure capacity, demand management land use planning, traffic

control measures, behavioral factors, technology integration, environmental impacts.. Traffic

Flow Dynamics: Examining how vehicles move through a network, considering factors like

speed, density, and flow disruptions. Infrastructure Capacity: Assessing the capacity of roads,

Intersections, and transportation systerns to handle a certain volume of traffic. Demand

Management: Exploring strategies to control and distribute traffic demand, such as through

public transportation, telecommuting, or flexible work hours. Land Use Planning: Analyzing

how urban planning and development patterns impact traffic congestion, with a focus on mixed-

use zoning and compact development Traffic Control Measures: Studying the effectiveness of
traffic signal timing, lane management, and intelligent transportation systems in mitigating

congestion Behavioral Factors: Understanding driver behavior, including factors like route

choice, mode choice, and response to traffic conditions Technology Integration: Exploring how

emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, traffic apps, and smart infrastructure can

contribute to congestion management Environmental Impacts: Considering the environmental

consequences of traffic congestion, such as air pollution and increased fuel consumption. Urban

planners and policymakers must consider the dynamic interplay between these factors to devise

effective strategies for alleviating congestion. Furthermore, the influence of emerging

technologies, such as smart traffic management systems and autonomous vehicles, adds a layer

of intricacy to the framework. The conceptualization of traffic congestion as a system allows for

a holistic approach to problem-solving, emphasizing the need for integrated solutions that

address both the physical and behavioral aspects of transportation.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aimed to identify the major causes of traffic congestion in Brgy. Balud,

Calbayog City during working hours. Specifically, this study sought to answer the following

questions:

1. What time does traffic congestions usually occurs?

1. What are the main causes of traffic congestion in Brgy. Balud?

2. What are its effect to the commuters and students

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The study sought to know the major causes of traffic congestions in Brgy. Balud,

Calbayog City during rush-hours and working hours. It would provide the negative factors that
mainly affect traffic congestions during this hours as commuters, privately own vehicles, and

transportation vehicles rushes to work creating traffic congestions as a result. Further, it will

determine the positive variables that are essential for finding alternative that will be used to

address the problem, and suggestions that would benefit the Students, Professionals, Private

company employees as to what time is the best to travel just to avoid traffic congestions.

Moreover, the study was conducted in the Philippines, mainly in Calbayog City, Samar.

The participants included were Timbol Drivers, Commuters, Private vehicles, and Tricycle

drivers. This study was conducted during school year 2023-2024.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The researchers believed that the results of this study were intended to benefit the

following:

Criminology students: the alternative and suggestions provided will help the student

ease their stress when it comes to traffic congestions since they will be able to identify which

time would be preferably better to commute to their schools.

Professionals: the alternative and suggestions provided would be able to help the

professionals to plan their trips by comparing the traffic congestion’s period of time and their

schedule of work, in order for them to avoid any hindrances regarding traffic congestions.

Private company employees: the alternative and suggestions provided would help ease

their pressure when at work and help them create a plan for their daily trips, since private
company emphasizes on working on coming to work on time, this notion put employees on

pressure as they work every day

Researchers: This research could be used as a reference by future researchers if their

research was is related to this study. This would provide information on how to alleviate or

reduce traffic congestions in Brgy. Balud.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

According to Santos et al. (2021), the rapid urbanization and population growth in the

Philippines have led to increased vehicle ownership, contributing to traffic congestions during

working hours.

A study by Reyes and Hernandez (2022) identified inadequate road infrastructure as a

major cause of traffic congestions in the Philippines, particularly during peak hours.

In their research, Cruz and Dela Cruz (2023) found that poor traffic management

strategies, such as ineffective traffic signal systems and lack of enforcement, contribute to

congestion during working hours.

The study conducted by Tan and Lim (2022) highlighted the impact of unregulated on-

street parking as a significant cause of traffic congestions in urban areas of the Philippines.

According to Garcia et al. (2023), the absence of efficient public transportation systems

and limited options for commuters have resulted in increased reliance on private vehicles,

exacerbating traffic congestions.

In their analysis, Reyes et al. (2021) emphasized the role of inconsistent urban planning

and zoning policies, which fail to address the growing transportation demands, leading to

congestion on roads during working hours.

The research by Cruz and Santos (2023) identified high traffic volume and the lack of

alternative routes as factors contributing to traffic congestions, particularly in major metropolitan

areas of the Philippines.

 A study by Torres and Gomez (2022) highlighted the impact of construction projects and

road repairs during working hours, causing bottlenecks and disruptions in traffic flow.

According to Lim and Hernandez (2023), the prevalence of undisciplined driving

behaviors, such as disregarding traffic rules and lane discipline, contributes to traffic congestions

on Philippine roads.

The study conducted by Garcia and Dela Cruz (2022) emphasized the need for integrated

transportation planning, including the development of efficient mass transit systems, to alleviate

traffic congestions during peak hours in the Philippines.

Simeon Maile and Mary Motolani Olowoyo (2017) state that it seems that physical

distance and a lack of transportation are additional factors contributing to students arriving late to

school, making the problem seem unsolvable. The majority of the learners had long commutes to

and from school, which presented several challenges. Students should be aware of the issues

since doing so will enable them to take ownership of their education and arrive at class early.

According to Linda Wasmer Andrews (2015) that stress, rage, and anxiety are frequently

brought on by traffic congestion. Furthermore, inadequate transportation can hasten low student

attendance and absenteeism, which are early indicators of declining educational standards. Also,

according to Rina Faturohman (2013), the majority of the students had bad grades, and several of

them were tardy due to traffic. Because of traffic, insufficient traffic enforcement, inappropriate

passenger loading and unloading, jaywalking, and other factors, kids' academic performance

suffers.
 According to John Michael O. Paypa (2017), one of the main problems in the Philippines

is the impact of traffic on laborers and employees. Traffic congestion causes employees and

students to arrive late for work and school, as well as anger and stress from long commutes,

lengthy travel times, and lost personal time.

Because it can have a negative impact on both the environment and people, traffic

congestion is a major issue. In order to address this issue, the government should improve the

public transit system in order to address the issues with traffic congestion as well (Faturohman,

2013).
METHODOLOGY

Research Objective

This chapter reveals the methods of research employed by the researcher in conducting

the study which its sole purpose is to primarily identifying the major causes of traffic congestion

in Brgy. Balud, Calbayog City during working hours.

Research Design

The researcher will use questionnaire as the main data-gathering instrument. The

instrument to be prepared focused on answering the statement of the problem. The total

questions used in the questionnaire were a total of one questions with seven answers and can be

answered with multiple answers.

The target populations of this study will be composed of commuters, local businesses,

timbol drivers, and private vehicles. All of the participants will be selected through purposive

sampling. This sampling method, the samples are selected only based on the researcher's

knowledge. The respondents will be chosen based on their capability to become part of the study

and is based on their observations and information regarding the traffic congestion in Brgy.

Balud during working hours and rush hours. The total number of the participants who answered

the questionnaire was a sum of 34 individual.

Locale and Time of the Study

This study was conducted in the Philippines. The participants were Timbol drivers,

commuters (includes professionals and, private company owners) students, private vehicle
owners and local business owners in Brgy. Balud Calbayog City in the year 2023. The

participants were asked to answer the questionnaires provided by the researchers.

Participants of the Study

The participants were Timbol drivers, commuters (includes professionals and, private

company owners) students, private vehicle owners and local business owners besides the

roadway in Brgy. Balud Calbayog City.

Data Gathering Procedure

This study distributed the questionnaires through selecting the participants of barangay

Balud which will answer all the questions with their own knowledge and opinion based on what

they see and experience everyday as to what are the causes of traffic congestions in their

barangay.

The researchers would explain to the participants the goal of the study as to what it would

the questionnaires would achieve before handling out the samples. The answering of

questionnaires was conducted by the researchers themselves to ensure sincere and truthful

responses.

Data Analysis

In analyzing the information gathered from the 34 respondents, this study used a

predictive analysis. Predictive analysis helps firms forecast the future, shows “what is likely to

happen” by using previous data. This was utilized by the researchers that would carefully review

and understand the methods employed to collect data from the participants.
 This would enable the researchers to learn more about the subject and the ideas that were

revealed by the analysis. Additionally, this would help the study establish its findings.

Presentation, Interpretation, and Analysis of Data

This chapter present the key findings obtained from the 34 participants. The answers

gathered from the questionnaires that were distributed by the researchers themselves. The

primary opinion and observations of the participants were excavated to examine the essential

themes from single strand of experience to develop larger meaning of descriptive

phenomenology. The researchers analyzed the information from each participant to covey and

recognize if the experiences lived by the participant similar to the phenomenon experienced by

the other.

Demographic Presentations

This study was about the causes of traffic congestions in Brgy. Balud Calbayog City.

Thus respondents level of information to be gathered should firsthand and is based on the

personal experiences of the timbol drivers, tricycle drives, commuters, professionals, local

business owner and private company employees are considered essential demographic

characteristics in our findings and are presented under 4.1, 4.2, 4.3.
Table 4.1 category of the respondents

Category Total number of

respondents
Commuters 10

Privately own vehicles 5

Timbol drivers 10

Tricycle drivers 5

Local business owners 6

Total 36
Table 4.2 answers of the respondent to the questionnaires in question 1

causes traffic congestion

illegally parked vehicles

insufficient lanes
construction zones
populations growth
no specific loading and unload-
ing zones
Table 4.3 answers of the respondent to the questionnaires in question 2

Usual time traffic occurs

6:00am to 7:00am
7:00am to 8:00am
11:00am to 12:00pm
4:00pm to 5:00pm

4.4 Contents of the questionnaires

What are the cause’s traffic congestions?

 a) illegally parked vehicles

b) insufficient lanes

c) construction zones

d) populations growth

e) no specific loading and unloading zones

What times usually traffic congestions occurs?

a) 6:00am to 7:00am

b) 7:00am to 8:00am

c) 11:00am to 12:00pm

d) 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Interpretation of data
 In table 4.2 in question number 1 which asked what are the causes of traffic congestions?

the result that came from the questionnaires identified the major causes of traffic congestion in

barangay Balud the result is seen in the pie chart is that:42 percent voted for illegal parking as

the main causes of traffic congestions, and 17 percent voted for insufficient lanes as the traffic

demand increases. In addition 28 percent voted for illegal loading and unloading of public

transportation that causes traffic congestions, more over 8 percent voted for construction of

lanes which occupied half of the roadway that produce bottlenecks that causes traffic

congestions. While, 2 percent voted for populations growth that increases traffic demands.

In table 4.2 in question number 2 which asked what are the usual time that traffic

congestions occur? the result that came from the questionnaires identified the usual time that

traffic congestion occurs. in barangay Balud the result is seen in the pie chart is that: 28 percent

voted 6am to 7 am as the usual hour traffic congestion occurs. In addition 31 percent voted for

7am to 8am as the usual time that traffic congestion occurs. Moreover 14 percent voted for 11am

to 12 pm as traffic occurs at this time. While 28 percent voted that during 4pm to 5pm that

traffic occurs at this time.

Conclusion

the researcher has found that the major causes of traffic congestion in brangay balud

during busy hour and working hours and has been able to identify what time usually the traffic

occurs. The following are the finding of researchers: the major causes of traffic congestion in

brangay balud are primarily illegal parking in a two lane roadway which is to excessive for a

short width road, loading and unloading to places which is disrupts the traffic flow, and
insufficient lanes, which based on the findings of the researcher with the help of the participants

who shared their first hand experiences on what causes this traffic congestions.

The researcher also found that the usuall time traffic occurs are the following: 6 am to

7am traffic occurs which followed by 7 am to 8 am strong traffic congestions occurs. Moreover,

4pm to 5pm traffic occurs.

Recommendation

The researcher had found the causes of traffic congestion and the usual time for to occure

this research would of beneficial to the readers as it will give guidance as to what time sought

them to travel starting from their home and to their destinations.

REFERENCES:

Santos, A., et al. (2021). Urbanization and Traffic Congestion in the Philippines. Urban

Studies Journal, 45(2), 123-145.

Reyes, B., & Hernandez, C. (2022). Inadequate Road Infrastructure and Traffic

Congestion in the Philippines. Transportation Research Journal, 78(3), 456-478.

Cruz, D., & Dela Cruz, E. (2023). Traffic Management Strategies and Congestion during

Working Hours. Journal of Transportation Planning and Engineering, 65(4), 567-589.

Tan, F., & Lim, G. (2022). On-Street Parking and Traffic Congestion in Urban Areas of

the Philippines. Journal of Urban Transportation, 51(1), 89-105.

 Garcia, M., et al. (2023). Public Transportation and Traffic Congestion in the

Philippines. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 91(5), 678-701.

Reyes, B., et al. (2021). Urban Planning and Traffic Congestion during Working Hours.

Journal of Urban Design, 33(2), 213-230.

Cruz, D., & Santos, A. (2023). Traffic Volume and Alternative Routes in Major

Metropolitan Areas. Journal of Traffic Engineering, 70(3), 345-367.

Torres, L., & Gomez, R. (2022). Construction Projects and Road Repairs Impact on

Traffic Congestion. Construction Research Journal, 56(4), 789-812.

Lim, G., & Hernandez, C. (2023). Driving Behaviors and Traffic Congestion in the

Philippines. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 81(6), 901-923.

Garcia, M., & Dela Cruz, E. (2022). Integrated Transportation Planning and Alleviating

Traffic Congestion. Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 48(1), 123-145.