Abstract/Summary

Metro Manila is a highly urbanised car-centric metropolitan region in the Philippines, which is consistently ranked as one of the most congested in the world. There is growing concern that the current traffic congestion will have a severe negative impact on the quality of life and economic development of the region. Car dependency has been established as one of the main contributors to traffic congestion. The present study aims to explore the potential underlying factors that contributed to car dependence in Metro Manila by developing a conceptual model that can aid in examining key components of the transport system such as policies and infrastructure, as well as the demographics, behaviour, and perception of automobile users. After developing a review of various models of transport research, the Multi-Level Perspective on sustainability transitions (MLP) was selected and used as a framework for characterizing and analysing the local transport system and identify factors that may contribute to car dependence. A mixed-methods research approach involving semi-structured interviews, online car user surveys, and review of grey literature, combined with a preliminary transport-related policy review, was used to gather relevant data, viewed through the MLP framework. A comprehensive review of transport related policies, particularly at the city and national levels, has been undertaken. This enabled an overview of the policy landscape that governs and influences Metro Manila’s transport system. The key informant interviews were designed to gain an understanding of the current issues from the perspectives of several experts that are directly related to transport. The online survey was designed to collect quantitative data on the respondents’ average travel metrics (e.g. daily commute distance, duration, destinations) and perceptions of car use and ownership. The results revealed that social, demographic, and economic factors play a key role in both government transport policies and user preference. Focusing on economic growth targets was also shown to perpetuate car dependence through the government’s continued investment in the automobile industry and road-based urban infrastructure. Similarly, the choice to own and use cars was demonstrated to also be a predominantly economic decision by the users, in service of their employment or livelihood. It was also determined that convenience, safety, and travel time factors were crucial in the decision to use cars, as well as in considering shifting to alternative transport modes. This study developed a conceptual model that illustrate the relationships within and between the various components of Metro Manila’s transport socio-technical system that aims to provide a holistic understanding of the current local transport context. Through this approach, the research offered practical insights and recommendations for sustainable transport policies and initiatives, demonstrating the utility of the MLP framework for evaluating policies in diverse socio-technical systems. The literature review phase of study began in the latter half 2018 and 2019, while the research design was developed during 2020. The data gathering, and analysis phase was accomplished in 2021.