Transportation Networks: Nodes, Routes & Metcalfe's Law

• Transportation is defined as the movement of people and/or goods from one place to another.
• A network is a framework of routes within a system of locations, known as nodes.
• Route refers to a single link between two nodes.
• Road transportation networks can be permanent/tangible (roads, rails, canals) or scheduled service/less tangible (air and sea corridors, public transit).
• Road networks permit vehicular movement or flow of commodity.
• They consist of interconnected ways designed to carry traffic, form the most basic level of transport infrastructure, and link areas within and beyond boundaries.

Metcalfe’s Law and Network Effect

• Metcalfe's Law states that network value is proportional to the square of connected nodes.
• This refers to the Ethernet, where network value is proportional to the square of connected users.
• Network Effect is the phenomenon whereby increased numbers of people improve the value of a good or service.

Centers and Sub-centers

• Centers have high accessibility, represent the dominant element of the network, and have high connectivity levels and redundancy.
• Sub-centers also have significant levels of accessibility.

Philippine Transportation

• Philippine transportation is underdeveloped:
• Due to terrains (mountains).
• Geography (multiple islands).
• Low government investment/funding in infrastructure.
• 3% of GDP was allocated for infrastructure in 2013.

National Highway Network

• The National Highway Network is a series of public roads providing inter-city connection.
• Numbered N1 to N82.
• N1 to N10 are main routes or priority corridors connecting three or more cities.
• N11 to N82 are roads linking two cities.
• They are mostly single and dual carriageways.

National Highway Network Examples

• Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway):
• The Longest highway at 3,517 km.
• Consists of roads, bridges, and ferry services.
• The major transportation backbone of the Philippines.
• With North end at LAOAG and southern end at ZAMBOANGA City.
• EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue):
• The Most known Philippine Highway.
• The Most important highway in NCR serving 6 of 17 units (Caloocan, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, and Pasay).
• Aspiras – Palispis Highway:
• Formerly known as Marcos Highway.
• Links Baguio and Agoo, La Union.
• Route Number N208 (Jose D Aspiras Highway for La Union Section, Ben Palispis Highway for Baguio-Benguet Section).
• Kennon Road:
• Formerly Benguet Road/Rosario – Baguio Road.
• The Second oldest road to Baguio.
• The Shortest route from Manila (33.5 km long, part of Route Number N54).
• Naguilian Road:
• Officially Quirino Highway/Baguio-Bauang Road.
• 46 km long, part of N54.
• Loakan Road:
• 6.2 km major road in Baguio.
• Designates as component of N231.
• Governor Pack Road:
• Major highway in Baguio.
• 1.09 km, part of N54 (Kennon) to N110 (B-NVR).

National Expressway Network

• Controlled-access highway network.
• Managed by DPWH.
• Consists of expressways and regional high standard highways (high level of traffic service).
• Multi-lane divided toll roads.
• Spans 420 km as of 2015 (est 626km by 2020 – JICA).
• Arterial High Standard Highways ( HSH-1).
• Regional High Standard Highways (HSH-2)

National Expressway Network Examples

• North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) E1:
• Formerly known as North Diversion Road.
• The First expressways in the Philippines.
• Built in 1970s during Marcos Administration.
• South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) E2:
• Formerly known as South Super Highway.
• The First expressways in the Philippines.
• Built in 1970s during Marcos Administration.
• Skyway (MMSWS):
• Aka South Metro Manila Skyway Project.
• Built from 1995 – 98 (Ramos and Estrada Admin).
• The First elevated toll road.
• Route number E2.
• Subic – Clark – Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx):
• The Longest tollway at 94 km.
• Route number E1.
• Muntinlupa – Cavite Expressway (MCX):
• The Shortest tollway at 4 km.
• Route Number E2.
• Tarlac – Pangasinan – La Union Expressway (TPLEx):
• The Latest expressway.
• Is still under construction.
• Route Number E1.

Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH)

• Comprises a 919 km integrated set of highway segments and ferry routes covering 17 cities (2003).

Traffic Management

• Traffic Management is the organization, arrangement, guidance, and control of both stationary and moving traffic

Traffic Control Devices

• Traffic Control devices are Traffic signs and markings.

Department of Transportation (DOTr)

• Primary policy, planning, programming, coordinating, implementing, and administrative entity for transportation system development and regulation.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

• Responsible for planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructures, especially national highways, flood control and water resources development.

Metro Manila Development Agency (MMDA)

• Assists the 17 political units in crafting and implementing integrated development plans to meet challenges of transport decongestion, climate change, waste management, and disaster prevention in Metro Manila.

Land Transportation Office (LTO)

• In charge of issuance and revocation of driver’s licenses and permits and administers exams. Registers motor vehicles and issues vehicle license plates. Enforces traffic rules and regulations and authorized to confiscate licenses.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)

• Responsible for promulgating, administering, enforcing, and monitoring compliance of policies, laws, and regulations of public land transportation services.

Motor Vehicle Classifications

• PRIVATE: Owned by private individuals or companies not intended for hire (green/white plate).
• FOR HIRE: Authorized public use by virtue of franchise (yellow plate).
• GOVERNMENT/OFFICIAL: Owned by Philippine government (red plate).
• DIPLOMATIC: Owned by foreign government (blue plate).

EO No. 400 Series 2005

• Regulates the assignment and issuance of low-numbered (PROTOCOL) license plates to motor vehicles used by officials of the Philippines. Issued in pairs, duly registered in the name of the listed officials or their spouses.