PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG VALENZUELA

College of Engineering and Information Technology

Department of Civil Engineering
Tongco St., Maysan, Valenzuela

Proposed Bus Rapid Transit Stations and Facilities along

Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City

AN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUBMITTED IN

PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR

OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

(CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT)

JOSHUA MANALO AGAM

NEL IVAN LARANJA MANLAPIG

JOSE ENRIQUE RAMOS ULAN

RENZ MARC ACOSTA VILLAFUERTE

MONTH 2025
1.2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Researchers gathered sources that address the concept of bus rapid transit as one of

emerging solution to transport system. This includes the location of the station, facilities, and

the effectiveness of bus rapid transit.

1.2.1 Review of Related Readings

In order to have a safe and convenient bus carousel, proper stations are need to be

consider. According to the department order no. 44 series of 2010 by DPWH, turnout must be

located where most of the pedestrians are concentrated and not be less than to 500 meters apart.

Each stations must provide pedestrian sidewalk with adequate width; not less than to the

existing sidewalk. For turnouts located near the intersections, it must be at least 50 meters

apart.

The footbridge included in stations with no available pedestrian crosswalks, the

apparent clearance of the road to the lower part of the floor bridge must be at least 5.33 meters

for the clearance for the vehicle clearance below, and the distance from headroom to the girder

must be at least 2 meters apart (DPWH,2016, order no. 53). Design standard for the facilities

on each stations must be follow. Stations shall not occupy the carriageway and can

accommodate the maximum number of buses expected at a time. The desirable design length

for including the transition taper is 60 meters but not more than 185 meters. For the width, it

must be 3.6 meters but not wider than 5 meters for buses. Installation of proper signage and

markings are important for the safe operation of the bus way (DPWH, 2016, order no. 53).
1.2.2 Review of Related Literature

1.2.2.1 Bus Rapid Transit

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) offers both economic and social incentives to the commuters

in terms of cost-saving, affordability, congestion and to commute efficiently (Naqvi. R, et al.,

2022). It contains similar features to rail system which are more reliable, convenient and faster

than a normal bus system, BRT with right features is able to avoid the causes of delay while

improving its service quality, safety and security, solving three main delays facing public

transport such as boarding and alighting, intersections, and traffic congestion (Institute for

Transportation and Development Policy, 2024). Heavy Congestion in Metro Manila has made

a significant effect on unreliable travel time, having an annual economic loss estimated to be

about Php100 Billion in year 2001, and showed an increase to Php140 Billion in 2006 (Sigua

R., 2014).

Several policies have been attempted to alleviate traffic such as new roadways with

overpasses, and attempting on limiting the number of vehicles on the road through license plate

schemes but many studies shown that building new roads, and limiting number of vehicles is

not a good long-term solution for traffic challenges (Boquet, Y., 2019). The US Agency of

Development Assistance (USAID) aimed to identify the road within Metro Manila that is

optimal to implement BRT using the criteria such as growth potential, current congestion and

availability of presence of a designated right-of-way and based on the demand of the local

authorities. BRT was been considered as a solution for routes with high demand like

Commonwealth Avenue, where congestion arise due to oversupply of buses and high volume

of vehicles (Santiao, R., Villarete, N., 2023), and based on Mega Manila Public Transportation

Planning Support System (MMPTPSS) the majority of public transport needs along
Commonwealth Avenue is provided by buses, but according to previous studies the congestion

in Metro Manila is partly due to excess supply of buses (JICA, 1997; 2009).

1.2.2.2 Bus Station and Facilities

Bus terminal is where bus routes begin or ends, allowing buses to stop and wait for

passengers, while bus stations refer to a designated area with basic passenger facilities and its

locations mostly influenced by the catchment area of passengers (Public – Private

Infrastructure Advisory Facility, 2006).

Bus Rapid Transit rely heavily on its stations, which serve as key points to the

passenger’s convenience, and some stations were located on rail system, resulting to

synchronized operations and other are near pedestrian overpasses (Martinez, 2021). Many bus

stations are situated beneath MRT and LRT structures, requiring passengers to navigate stairs

to reach bus corridors (Ollero, L., et al, 2024). BRT stations in close proximity with LRT/RT

and PNR encourage commuter use, with distances not exceeding 250 meters would be

considered comfortable for transfers (Sigua R., 2014).

1.2.2.3 Geographical Information System Mapping

Geographical Information System is used to organize, analyze, visualize, and share all

kinds of data and information from different historical periods and at various scales of analysis.

It provides extensive tools for searching, querying, describing, summarizing, and classifying

datasets, using these data it can provide users the ability to make meaningful insights
(Campbell, J., Shin, M., 2011). Usage of Spatial Data, which indicates the location of objects

or other phenomena, to reduce uncertainty in decision making, thus, assessing the quality and

accuracy of this data is essential to avoid practical and legal implications. The definition of

data quality often centers on its "fitness for use,". Once the spatial data is organized, GIS spatial

analysis functions can be employed to effectively support planning tasks. (Huisman, O., de By,

R., 2009).

Due to the wide-spread adoption of Geographical Information System, new field was

introduced as GIS for Transportation in the area of public transportation which led to public

transit route optimization (Ramirez., et al, 1996). An example of a Geographical Information

System software is the TransCAD that utilizes socioeconomic data and vehicle origin

destination information to enhance public transit coverage in high traffic areas (Sawsan S A

Al-Zubaidi et al, 2021).

In addition, a comprehensive study has been made for geographic system for railway

where it demonstrated success in emergency response and route planning, which achieved the

following data such as finding the shortest way between any two new stations that could

possibly locate a reasonable location for facilities (El-Bakry, H., Awad, W., 2010).

1.2.2.4 Project Cost

According to SRI Vidya Collee of Engineering & Technology, estimating is a process

of calculating the various quantities and the predicted expenditure to be accumulated on a

project. Projects in public transportation requires a lot of process in order to achieve an

estimated cost and it shows that local bus services tend to be more cost-effective than rail

options in lower-density areas.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, known for their high capacity and efficiency, are

often cheaper to construct and operate than light rail systems, and it utilizes dedicated median-

aligned bus lanes, off-board fare collection, level boarding, and priority at intersections to

provide fast and reliable service (Boquet, Y., 2019; Institute for Transportation and

Development Policy, 2024). It is stated that plans for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems from

Alabang to Commonwealth Avenue were considered as a connection to LRT-4 but shifted

eventually to a full railway line spanning 28 km from Recto to Batasan (Santiao, R., Villarete,

N., 2023).

Cost estimation remains a critical factor in evaluating transit systems, as the lack of a

suitable model can lead to significant debate during the early planning phases regarding the

choice between light rail transit (LRT) and BRT (Hsu, L., 2012). A Cost Estimation

methodology that was being used for a while now called The Unit Base Method for estimating

costs determines project expenses by multiplying the total number of units by the unit rate of

each item, where the unit rate is derived by dividing the actual expenditures incurred or the

costs of similar nearby structures by the number of units (SRI Vidya Collee of Engineering &

Technology).

1.2.2.5 Project Scheduling

Most construction projects depend on spreadsheets for project management. Key

procurement skills in this field involve acquiring material bills and coordinating labor, which
includes assessing needs and overseeing worker performance to ensure that all tasks are

completed on schedule. As these managers develop an entailed plan designated for the success

of the construction project, breaking down construction activities into logical steps while

estimating time and budgets using advanced scheduling and cost-estimating software (Watt,

A., 2014).

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a scheduling technique designed to enhance project

planning by identifying the critical path, which is essential for project success. A study has

been conducted that proved the effectivity of this method in project planning, it shows that the

duration was decreased from 592 day to 469 days saving 123 days, which emphasizes that

quality planning and control are vital for the success of the project. The effectiveness of CPM

in saving time during construction projects is highlighted, with its potential to accelerate

project duration depending on work type and project conditions (Journal of Business

Management and Economic Development, 2024).

1.2.3 Related Studies

1.2.3.1 Bus Rapid Transit

Transportation system is one the major problem in Metro Manila, Philippines. One

reason is due to lack of regulation and control of public transportation vehicles such as

unorganized lanes, pick up and drop off points. Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City faces

challenges in transportation including severe traffic congestion that results in prolonged travel

times, increased vehicle emissions and diminished quality of life for commuters and residents
that also affects their productivity. Addressing this concern, an organized bus operation,

particularly a bus rapid transit is one of the solutions in reducing these problems. A bus rapid

transit in which also known as busway is a high-quality public transportation system that buses

have an exclusive lane to minimize interactions with other vehicle and provide efficient, fast

and reliable travel for commuters from a point to another. The BRT have been continuously

developed in various nation as an effective response to urban transportation challenges

(Bouraima, M., et al, 2023). Furthermore, Balket, S. and Asmae, N. (2021) stated that bus rapid

transit operates on a separate line that offers fast, convenient and cost-saving transport system

in modern cities.

The effectiveness of BRT system promotes the use of public transportation for the

urban commuters instead of riding with their own vehicle. BRT service encourage commuters

to rely more on public transportation for their everyday travel (Hoang-Tung, N., et al, 2021).

The decisions of commuters to choose the BRT as transportation option have also significant

impact with the environment. The traffic congestion may be reduced because of the lesser

private vehicle on the road and improve air quality due to lowering the overall emissions.

Nguyen, Y. et al (2023), studied the impact of BRT in Hanoi, Vietnam. It stated that up to 17%

to 23% of air pollutant emission reduced in comparison with the regular bus system.

1.2.3.2 Bus Station and Facilities

The bus rapid transit station and facilities must be considered with strategic placement

and design to ensure its effectiveness and meets the demands of commuters for public

transportation. As mentioned by Balket, S. and Asmae, N. (2021), the BRT station should be
situated with densely populated area and suitable location to attract a greater number of

passengers. Thus, traffic congestion, road accidents and negative effects on the environment

reduces. The bus stations of BRT are commonly located at the center of highways, it serves

multi purposes such as connection to other mode of transportation and minimizing the traffic

congestion at intersection (Lin, Y., et al 2020). The BRT median station serves a feeder for

further transportation, particularly connected with MRT and LRT Structures.

1.2.3.3 Geographic Information System Mapping

GIS is one of the useful tools for mapping and analyzing spatial and non-spatial

information with decision and expert support system. It can also analyze demographic data

including commuter density, land use and different infrastructure locations. Additionally, with

the use of GIS, population movement, traffic flows, accidents and road close can be monitored

in real time (Droj, G., et al, 2022).

The use of GIS in locating BRT stations proved its effectiveness, efficiency and make

ease to analyze the data from many studies. It helps the planners to gain insight with potential

station site and highly identified the areas for ridership. Balket, S. and Asmae, N. (2021),

conclude that utilizing GIS in BRT stations provides a quick analysis and make decisions

regards to its placement.

1.2.3.4 Project Cost

The construction project cost of BRT is a major consideration of the implementation.

For sustainable approach, the use of existing transport corridor such as road lanes and

pedestrian bridges reduce the overall expenses than fully designing a new one. Bouraima, M.,

et al. (2023) highlighted the efficiency of BRT and its low-cost solution to the traffic

congestion. Also mentioned that exclusive BRT lanes are more economical than rail-based

system for mass transportation due to utilizing of existing road infrastructure, lanes and

considering minimal time spent on construction as well as the operational cost and investments.

1.2.3.5 Project Scheduling

Construction management plays an important role in optimizing project schedules. The

allocated time for construction activities influenced the project goals including the satisfaction

and timely delivery. Ensuring project scheduling, project management techniques are being

used such as Critical Path Method. According to the study of Khan, U., et al (2023), the CPM

is well-known method for project scheduling. It helps in determining the minimum time

required to finish an activity that results in enhancing project’s efficiency. Febrianti, D., et al

(2021), analyzed the use and effectiveness of CPM to the project rescheduling of PUPR Service

Laboratory of West Aceh Regency, the duration decreased into 172 days compared to normal

project activity duration was 180 days.

1.2.4 Synthesis and Justification

Given the idea that majority of the traffic congestion happen in Commonwealth Avenue

are buses, studies have shown that bus rapid transit has a significant impact in transportation.

It opens the idea that commuting is much more reliable than having an own private vehicle.

Due to its continuous travel, since buses has its own lanes, delays are avoidable. Furthermore,

proper stations and facilities must consider to ensure the safety and convenience of the

passengers. There are some cases that BRT has in the median road, which is why there's a

geometric design needed, such as pedestrian and footbridge (Lin Y. et al. (2020). Past

researchers utilize the use of graphical information system to locate the optimize location of

routes and stations. Some studies have suggest that aligning the station of buses and train

station can lessen the cost of project. However, with the use of MRT/LRT as the stations many

debates have arise whether it affects the operation of MRT/LRT.

There are lack of studies on construction duration of bus rapid transit. Moreover,

researchers will use scheduling technique to maximize the duration of construction.

1.3 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Figure 1.1 Conceptual Framework of the Study

Researchers follow the input-process-output model to represent the process of the key

concepts presented on this paper. This conceptual framework consist of four phases; phase 1:

data gathering; phase 2: data analysis for appropriate stations and design; phase 3:

recommendation for a bus rapid transit stations and facilities; phase 4: proposed project cost

and timeline.

During the phase 1, researchers must obtain data from the government regarding the

traffic volume and commuter density along the Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

The data obtained from phase 1 will use to analyze using GIS in phase 2. GIS will

process the data to identify the possible location of station for bus rapid transit along

Commonwealth Avenue. After locating the stations, researchers will create a preliminary

design for each stations of bus rapid transit based on the standard requirements of DPWH.
 On phase 3, using 3d model and rendering software, researchers will present a visual

representation of the designed facilities.

Finalizing the proposed bus rapid transit stations and facilities. Researchers will create

a summary of project cost and duration. This includes the materials, equipment, and scope of

work that will be needed in construction of the facilities.

1.4 Statement of the Problem

This research aim to address the severe traffic congestion and commuter inconvenience

along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City that diminished the quality of life which also

affects their productivity.

1.4.1 General Objective

Proposed Bus Rapid Transit Station and Facilities along Commonwealth Avenue,

Quezon City for addressing traffic congestion and convenience of commuters.

1.4.2 Specific Objective

This study aims to:

1. To analyze the current bus transportation system and traffic condition along

Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City to identify areas for improvement.

2. To evaluate the appropriate bus stations using Geographical Information System

Mapping (GIS) along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City

3. To create a preliminary civil plan of proposed bus rapid transit station and facilities

4. To develop a project schedule and cost of proposed bus station and facilities