A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1986

The study explores the effects of the light rail transit on travel behavior in Metro Manila, Philippines. The 15-kilometer LRT line was the latest addition to the public transport supply in the metropolitan area conceived to absorb much of the travel demand along its corridor as the major mode with the buses and jeepneys acting as feeder. A direct interview survey was conducted to provide information on the present travel behavior as well as the effects of system to the movement of persons availing of the services being offered. The results showed the apparent role of the LRT in providing services mostly for intercity movement focused on the central business districts. The relative importance of work and school trips were identified as ridership was dominated by "blue-collar" workers and students. Changes in travel were also derived with regards to the shift of modes as follows: (a) about 75 percent of the passengers interviewed claimed that their trip were previously made by jeepney; (b) eleven percent said that they were former bus users; (c) four percent previously used private vehicles; and (d) a low two percent stated that their travel were not made at all before. Changes in terms of walking distance, waiting time, and number of transfers were beneficial to about half of the respondents and a minimal number of seven percent indicated certain disbenefits. The results showed the degree of acceptance of the LRT system by the users.