CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Introduction

Transportation is an important tool for a country’s progress and development. Over

the years, it has played a significant role in facilitating trade, social interaction, conquest

and commerce. Before technology emerged, the most common means of transportation was

by horseback or in animal-drawn vehicles on dirt roads. As years passed by, the

construction of canal boom and railroads began. It lessened the inconvenience and hassle

of people who were travelling goods and trade. At present time, improved motor vehicles

were invented and utilized, such as truck loads, vans, mobile cars, motorcycles, etc.

Transportation system is necessary to coordinate the movement of people and

goods. Transportation systems are designed to employ vehicle routes efficiently. In the

Philippines, there are many modes of transportation which are used. These include buses,

jeepneys, LRT and taxis which are available to roam around the country. Among these

modes of transportation, jeepneys are the most popularly used.

However, issues and problems in transportation are inevitable. One of the major

problems in the country is the continuous operation of colorum transport vehicles. Just this

year, the Philippine government has announced a nationwide crackdown on colorum

transport vehicles in the Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to arrest and

impound drivers and operators who will not follow the said order.

1
 This paper focuses on the effects of Colorum Transport Vehicles Ban to commuters

from Batangas City to Lemery. The researchers aim to conduct the study through surveys.

Theoretical Framework

Colorum transport vehicles are defined as white-plated vehicles used for public

transport which uses a “twin” or similar legitimate existing plate. According to an LTFRB

officer, it only costs P520 pesos to register a bus for a franchise.

In the country, a lot of unregistered vehicles are dispersed on the roads. Public

vehicle drivers established their own league, taking trips to specific routes with lots of

possible commuters like malls and schools. Riding colorum vehicles is too risky for

commuters. Meeting an accident while riding these vehicles means no assurance that the

driver or operator will pay for any damages. Unregistered public utility vehicles are

currently warned as Duterte’s administration ordered a massive crackdown on colorum

vehicles.

Batangas City is one of the fastest emerging cities in the Philippines. Its central

transportation is the Batangas Grand Terminal found beside the Diversion road in Balagtas.

Its public transportation mainly includes jeepneys and tricycles which are available to take

trips in the city.

On the other hand, Lemery, Batangas is a growing urban municipality in the

province of Batangas in CALABARZON region with a total population of 93,157 in 2015

2
census. Many commuters, especially students and employees, from Lemery take trips

going to Batangas City.

This study intends to conduct a survey among commuters travelling from Batangas

City to Lemery. Its objective is to determine the effects of Colorum Transport Vehicles

Ban in the route (Batangas-Lemery) to commuters.

Statement of the Problem

Strict implementation of the Colorum Transport Ban has been observed throughout

the country. Lemery- Batangas City is one of the routes with the most number of colorum

vehicles compared to registered vehicles. Due to the crackdown of colorum vehicles, the

supply of public transport service has been reduced. Thus, affecting the vehicle operators,

drivers and the commuters. The study seeks to determine the effects of Colorum Transport

Ban from Batangas City to Lemery to commuters by conducting a survey among them.

Hypothesis of the Study

Colorum Transport Ban in Batangas City to Lemery has significant negative effects

on commuters.

Scope and Limitation

3
 This study covered the Batangas City to Lemery route. It aims to discuss the effects

of Colorum Transport Ban to commuters by conducting surveys. It is limited to commuters

taking the Batangas City to Lemery trip. Online surveys are conducted since it is difficult

to gather data personally because it will cause inconvenience to the commuters. This paper

focused on the effects of colorum transport ban to commuters.

Significance of the Study

This research study is important since public transportation is a common necessity

in the country. It is beneficial for students who take related course to understand the needs

and problems occurring in the country in the field of transportation and to know the

possible solutions to solve them. This research may be also used by future researchers as a

reference in conducting new research studies.

Definition of Terms

Colorum Vehicles – a slang word for unregistered public vehicles that are without a

franchise

Commuter – a person who travels some distance to work on a regular basis

4
5
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Conceptual Literature

Colorum Violation

According to the regulations of the Land Transportation and Franchise Regulatory Board

(LTFRB), a vehicle is considered operating as "colorum" under any of the following

circumstances: a private vehicle operating as a public utility vehicle (PUV) but without

proper authority from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board

(LTFRB), a PUV operating outside of its approved route or area without a prior permit

from the Board or outside the exceptions provided under existing memorandum circulars,

a PUV operating differently from its authorized denomination, a PUV with suspended or

cancelled Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) and the Decision/Order of suspension

or cancellation is executory; and a PUV with expired Certificate of Public Convenience

and without a pending application for extension of validity timely filed before the Board

(DOTC, Joint Administrative Order No. 2014- 01).

The public mode of transportation to go back and forth from Batangas City to Lemery is

either through a jeepney or a van. The problem is that most of these public transport lacks

validity of franchise. Every violation of the Law is associated with a penalty. For the first

offense, a minimum of three (3) months impounding period and a fine for every type of

vehicle. (e.g., for a jeepney is ₱ 50,000 and for a van is ₱ 200,000) are given.

6
Anti- Colorum Task Force in the Philippines

In accordance with the various types of incidents that happened recently in the country

involving public transportation vehicles operating as “colorum” vehicles, President

Rodrigo Duterte ensures that the Law governing franchise of public vehicles is well-

implemented. On the 28th day of March 2018, an inter-agency task force against “colorum”

vehicles, Task Force Kamao, was launched by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The crackdown on PUV(s) is currently implemented nationwide by the newly formed task

force. The creation of the said group came after the President ordered a nationwide

crackdown on buses illegally travelling routes when he visited the site of the fatal Dimple

Star bus crash in Occidental Mindoro. Task Force Kamao is headed by Transportation

Undersecretary Thomas Orbos, while the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory

Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III serves as the deputy commander and head of

operations. It consists of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Intelligence

Coordinating Agency, National Telecommunications Commission and Department of

Justice as its partner agencies.

Ideal Travel time for the Route Batangas City to Lemery

The distance between Batangas City and Lemery is approximately 34.1 kilometers via

Palico - Balayan - Batangas Road. The estimated travel time excluding ongoing

construction projects, traffic, weather or other events is one hour and 11 minutes. On the

7
other hand, travelling via Lemery- Agoncillo Road will take 1 hour and 16 minutes to

go to the destination.

Related Studies

Prior studies about public utility vehicles operating illegally have identified various

advantages and disadvantages of their existence. A review was carried out to various local

and foreign studies related to the insufficient number of vehicles that are legally operating

and the effects of transport problems to commuters. Most of the studies point out on the

scarcity of public transportation service to the growing demand of public transportation.

Local Studies

Guillen et al (2007) conducted a study to understand the existence of informal public

transport along the Mintal- Tugbok- Calinan Route in Davao City. In the study, informal

transport mode is defined as road-based motor vehicle that are not fully and/or legally

bounded by national policies. Commuters, especially students, are patronizing these

illegally- operated vehicles because of its availability and its lower cost of fare, without

assessing the safety of their travel.

Based on the financial analysis of the FX operations, with respect to available information

regarding routes between Manila City and Quezon City, it was found that changing the fare

structure can have a significant impact on the sustainability of the operation. When the

8
passenger capacity is reduced, the operators will be placed in a very serious financial

situation, which could possibly result to the termination of the operation. This will

negatively affect the riding public who have come to depend on the FX as an alternative

public transport (Diaz & Cal, 2005).

Land Transportation and Regulatory Board(LTFRB) is an agency that administers,

enforces, and monitors compliance of policies, laws, and regulations of public land

transportation services. But the system of public transport in the country, especially in

Metro Manila, is disorganized. The Philippine government should implement traffic rules

more strictly to correct this unconstructive behavior by motorists and commuters. Various

factors are considered by commuters in their choice of mode of transportation. (Narboneta

& Teknomo,2016)

Foreign Studies

Existing problems of inappropriate-quality service can be addressed to satisfy users’

expectations. Even though commuters are dissatisfied with several aspects of informal

transport, the impact of insufficiency of public utility vehicles makes the public ride on

it (Joewono and Kubota,2007).

Pucher & Korattyswaroopam (2004) conducted a study on the crisis of public transport in

India. The study discusses the overwhelming needs of public transportation but limited

resources. Rapid growth in industries, as well as the population, in India contribute to the

9
growing needs of public transportation. Transport system is lacking the necessary financial

resources for investment in infrastructure, vehicles, new technologies, and fare subsidies.

The financial problems emanating from India’s low per-capita income are probably the

most important challenges facing Indian public transport.

Informal public transport compared to formal public transport services, can be more

accessible, faster, at times cheaper and reliable. On the other hand, they are often

unregulated, oversupply, and environmentally unclean, unsafe and unaccountable.

However, the presence of informal transport in the cities indicates that the formal public

transport services are insufficient. Therefore, the gap between demand and supply is met

by the informal transport providers (GTZ Transport Policy Advisory Services, 2010).

Many factors covered the quality of a public transport system, such as considerations

relative to comfort and safety within the vehicle, the time taken to cover the routes and the

convenience and existence of any supporting infrastructure. It is important to know the

perception of public transportation users to know the desired quality. The desired quality

is different from the perceived quality because the former does not represent the daily

experiences of the users, but rather what they desire, hope for or expect from the public

transport system (Dell’Olio et. al, 2011).

Synthesis

Transportation system is facing a worldwide dilemma. Though the government of different

countries are utilizing various countermeasures to overcome these issues, many factors are

10
still unforeseen. Several studies are included in the literature review that the researchers

found to be significantly related to the topic defined.

The local and foreign studies both implies that the transportation demand is significantly

higher than the available transport service. The existence of informal mode of

transportation which are unregulated by transportation agencies, like the LTRFB of the

Philippines, supported this conclusion of the presented studies. The availability of these

kinds of vehicles often outpowers other factors that affect the choice of mode of

transportation of commuters.

It is noticeable that perception of commuters to the insufficiency of public utility vehicles

is often neglected. Several studies consider the level of service and comfort of travels based

on the designed and theoretical factors affecting the travel and travel time of commuters.

The actual experience of the public utility vehicle users is important to unveil the

unforeseen factors that must be considered.

Taken as a whole, these studies found negative impacts on the part of commuters due to

insufficiency of legally operating public utility vehicles.

Conceptual Framework

The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of Colorum Transport Ban to

commuters travelling from Batangas City to Lemery and vice versa.

11
A survey was done to obtain the necessary data. The results upon going through the

process, will be used to undertake the objective of the study. Figure 2.1 presents the

conceptual paradigm of the study.

Figure 2.1 Conceptual Paradigm of the Study

12
 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter discusses the description of the research design and approach used, study

population and sample, and the data gathering procedures.

Research Design and Approach

This research study is descriptive in nature. Descriptive research was used to gather data

through surveys to systematically and accurately describe the characteristics of the given

population or area of interest. A quantitative approach was also selected to test

relationships and to examine the cause and effect interactions among variables. This

research design and approach was chosen because it provides an accurate description of

the characteristics, such as behavior, opinions, beliefs, and knowledge of an individual or

population. In addition, it is the best tool to meet the objectives of the study which is to

determine the effects of colorum transport vehicles ban in the route (Batangas-Lemery) to

commuters.

To be able to arrive at certain conclusions, the researchers will conduct a survey through

questionnaires administered to the respondents. The information that will be obtained from

a sample of people will be analyzed and evaluated through tables and graphs.

Study Population and Sample

The study population considered in this research consists of commuters travelling from

Batangas City to Lemery, which is the center of interest indicated in the research subject

and study limitations.

13
A total number of 110 sample or respondents of the study population was included in the

study since commuters entail a large population that cannot all be studied. The respondents

represent the study population to meet the purpose or objective of the research.

The method of sampling used was convenience sampling. Convenience sampling is a non-

probability sampling technique where subjects are selected because of their convenient

accessibility and proximity to the researcher.

Data Gathering Procedures

The researchers obtained data through the aid of questionnaires which is consisted mostly

of closed-ended questions and a few open-ended questions, as these provide more diverse

detail. A questionnaire was chosen as data collection instrument to evaluate the

respondents’ views and opinions regarding the subject of this study which is the effect of

colorum transport vehicles ban in the route (Batangas-Lemery) to commuters.

The questionnaire was given to a total number of 110 respondents through online process

that was done on a messenger application. It was sent to the respondents and their answers

were tallied and evaluated to come up to a conclusion.

Research Design and Approach

A survey obtains information by means of self-report, that is, the people respond to a series

of questions posed by the investigator (Polit & Hungler 1993:148). A descriptive survey

was selected because it provides an accurate portrayal or account of the characteristics, for

14
example behavior, opinions, abilities, beliefs, and knowledge of a particular individual,

situation or group.

Data Gathering Procedures

A questionnaire was chosen as the data collection instrument. A questionnaire is a printed

self-report form designed to elicit information that can be obtained through the written

responses of the subjects. The information obtained through a questionnaire is similar to

that obtained by an interview, but the questions tend to have less depth (Burns & Grove

1993:368).

In the open-ended questions, the subjects were required to respond in writing, whereas

closed-ended questions had options which were determined by the researcher (Burns &

Grove 1993:370). Open-ended questions were included because they allow subjects to

respond to questions in their own words and provide more detail. Closed-ended questions

were included because they are easier to administer and to analyze. They are also more

efficient in the sense that a respondent can complete more closed-ended items than open-

ended items in a given period of time (Polit & Hungler 1993:203).

15
 CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter dealt with the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data gathered

through the questionnaire administered to the respondents. Tables and graphs were used to

organize the contents of the chapter, which provided answers to the specific questions.

Table 4.1: Number of Respondents Using Public Transportation (Batangas City-

Lemery)

NO. OF
ANSWER PERCENTAGE
RESPONDENTS

Yes 107 97.27 %

No 3 2.72 %

TOTAL 110 100 %

Table 4.1 shows that out of 110 respondents, 107 passengers or 97.27% use public

transport and only 3 or 2.72% does not use public transport to go back and forth

from Batangas City to Lemery. It shows that there is a high demand for public

transportation.

16
Several times a 7.27
month 8

Several times a 22.72

22.72
Weekly
25

47.27
Daily
52

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Percentage No. of Respondents

17
Figure 4.1: Frequency of Using the Public Transportation

Figure 4.1 shows that there are 52 respondents use public transport daily. 25

respondents use public transport weekly and for several times a week. The

remaining 8 respondents use public transport for several times a month only.

Table 4.2: Purpose of Travelling

ANSWER FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

To go to School 86 78.18 %

To go to Work 13 11.82 %

To go to Provincial Government
2 1.82 %
Office

Others: (To go Home) 9 8.18 %

TOTAL 110 100 %

Table 4.2 shows that 78.18% of the respondents are travelling to go to school.

11.82% are travelling to go to work. 1.82% goes to provincial government office.

And lastly, 8.18% are travelling to go home.

18
 14.54
YES
85.46 NO

Figure 4.2: Percentage of Commuters who Agree that the Colorum Transport Ban

Affect the Mode of Transportation

Figure 4.2 shows that 94 respondents or 85.46% agreed and the remaining 16

respondents or 14.54% did not agree that the strict implementation of Colorum

Transport Ban affect their mode of transportation.

Table 4.3: Effects of Colorum Transport Ban to Commuters

NO. OF
ANSWER PERCENTAGE
RESPONDENTS

Fares too expensive

compared the previous 4 2.63 %

transportation fee

Lack of public
33 21.71 %
transportation vehicle

19
 Longer time of travel 76 50 %

Too many transfer

Others:
1 0.66 %
(Uncomfortable)

TOTAL 152 100 %

Table 4.3 shows that 4 respondents were affected by the Colorum Transport Ban

because fares too expensive compared the previous transportation fee. 33

respondents responded that public transportation vehicle is insufficient. 76

passengers said that they travel longer compared before. 38 passengers cause them

for too many transfer or cutting trip. And the remaining 1 respondent is

uncomfortable with other mode of transportation. Moreover, 32 respondents or

29.09% of the total respondents have multiple answers for this question.

20
 60
55
50
50

40
35
31.82
30

20
11 10
9 8.18
10
0 0
0
Less than an One hour 1 and a half 2 hours More than 2
hour hour hours

Frequency Percentage

Figure 4.3: Travel Time of After the Implementation of Colorum Transport Ban

Figure shows that after the implementation of the Colorum Transport Ban,

no respondent will travel for less than an hour. 11 respondents or 10% will travel

for 1 hour. 55 respondents or 50% will travel for 1 and a half hours. 35 respondents

or 31.82% will travel for 2 hours. And the remaining 9 respondents or 8.18% will

travel for more than 2 hours.

21
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary of Findings

The study aims to determine the effect of Colorum Transport Ban to commuters travelling

on the route of Batangas City to Lemery. The research study is descriptive in nature and

uses qualitative approach in analyzing the relationships among variables. Convenience

sampling was used to determine the sample size to be studied and a survey questionnaire

was used to obtain the data needed.

The study yielded the following results:

1. Most of the commuters are using public transportation to go from Batangas City

and vice versa. 97.27% of commuters are using the public transport while 23.73%

are not.

2. Most of the commuters are travelling on a daily basis; some are on a weekly basis,

others are several times a week and the remaining percentage are travelling several

times a month.

3. The respondents are mostly students, others are employees, others go to provincial

government offices and few travels to go to their home.

4. Majority of the respondents agreed that the strict implementation of Colorum

Transport Ban affects their mode of transportation.

5. The strict implementation of Colorum Transport Ban causes longer travel time to

50% of the commuters. Insufficient public utility vehicles, cutting trips and higher

fare resulted from the application of the law.

22
 6. The travel time of commuters after the implementation of Colorum Transport Ban

ranges from one and a half to two hours.

Conclusions

Results of the quantitative approach done by the researchers through a survey questionnaire

is presented to assess the effect of Colorum Transport Ban has been presented on the

previous chapter. It is important that the compliance to the law is being observed. But, the

data shows that despite of the good intention of the strict implementation, significant

negative effects on the part of the commuters were noted. The main points on this study

are:

1. There is an insufficient number of public utility vehicles that are legally operating

in the route of Batangas City- Lemery.

2. Longer travel time is the most distinct negative effect of the strict implementation

of the Colorum Transport Ban.

3. The limited supply of public utility vehicles causes discomfort and delay to the

commuters, especially to the students who are going to school and to the people

who are going to their works.

In general, it can be noted that the number of available public vehicles on the route of

Batangas City to Lemery cannot satisfy the demand of commuters for the transport service.

Recommendations

Based on the results of the study, the following recommendations are hereby advanced:

23
1. To the government, the researchers recommend to consider giving assistance to the

public transportation sector in order for them to comply with the requirements of

legally franchising public utility vehicles.

2. To the Department of Transportation, to continue their scheme in strictly

implementing Colorum Transport Ban to ensure the safety and security of the

commuters.

3. To the future researchers, the researchers recommend to conduct this study in other

locations where colorum vehicles are rampant to determine if there are other

different effects and factors that might affect the commuters.

4. As several factors have been foreseen, the researchers further propose to conduct

related studies which focuses on how to eliminate this effects and other problems

that the commuters encounter.

24
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Book

Garber N.J & Hoel, L.A. (2012). Traffic and Highway Engineering. Pasig City,
Philippines. Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd

Online Sources

Aguila, K. (2012, November). Colorum by Numbers. Retrieved from

Dell’Olio (January 31, 2011) The Quality of Service Desired by Public Transport Users.

Transport Policy. Retrieved May 18, 2018 from

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780081020807

Department of Transportation. (2014). Violations in Connection with Franchise. Retrieved

Diaz C.D. & Cal P.C. (2005). Impacts of Government Regulation on The Sustainability of

Paratransit Services in The Philippines: Case of FX Services Between Manila City

And Quezon City. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies.

Retrieved May 18, 2018 from

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/easts/6/0/6_0_214/_pdf

GTZ Transport Policy Advisory Services (June 2010). Informal Public Transport

Retrieved May 18, 2018 from

http://www.sutp.org/files/contents/documents/resources/F_Reading-

Lists/GIZ_SUTP_RL_Informal-Public-Transport_EN.pdf

25
Guillen et al (2007). Understanding. The Informal Public Transport Presence Along the

Mintaltugbok-Calinan Route in Davao City, Philippines: An Exploratory Study.

Journal Proceedings of Infrastructure Planning Retrieved May 18, 2018 from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/216064240

Kabiling, G. (2018, March) Transport Officials Meet Today on Removal of “Colorum”

Kohl, A. (2017, October). What is the meaning of Transportation System? Retrieved from
https://getawaytips.azcentral.com

Lam, A. Is it Risky to Ride Colorum Vehicles? Retrieved from

Narboneta C.G. & Teknomo K. (September 1, 2016). A Study of Metro Manila’s Public
Transportation Sector: Implementing a Multimodal Public Transportation Route Planner. Asian
Transport Studies. Retrieved May 18, 2018 from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317646479

Pucher & Korattyswaroopam (2004). The Crisis of Public Transport in India:

Overwhelming Needs but Limited Resources. Journal of Public Transportation. .

Retrieved May 18, 2018 from

civilengineerthoughts003.blogspot.com/2013/12/code-of-ethics-for-civil-engineers-

pice.html

Transportation in the Philippines. Retrieved from

26
 APPENDIX

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

DETERMINATION OF THE EFFECT OF COLORUM TRANSPORT BAN

FROM BATANGAS CITY TO LEMERY

To our respondents,

Good day!

We are students of Batangas State University taking up Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
As a final requirement for Transportation Engineering, we are conducting a study to determine
the effect of Colorum Transport Ban from Batangas City to Lemery and vice versa. In accordance
with this, we are asking for a little bit of your time to answer our questionnaire.

Thank you!

-
RESEARCHER
S

NAME: (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: For each of the following questions, please put a check () in the box
provided for your answers. Thank you for your cooperation.

1. Do you use public transport to go back and forth from Batangas City to Lemery ?
YES NO
2. How often do you use public transportation?
Daily Weekly
Several times a week Several times a month
3. What is your purpose of travelling?
To go to school
To go to work
To go to provincial government office
Others, specify
4. Does the strict implementation of “Colorum” Transport Ban affect your mode of
transportation?
YES NO
5. If yes, then, how does it affect you?
Fares too expensive compared the previous transportation fee
Lack of public transportation vehicle
Longer time of travel

27
 Too many transfer (Cutting trip)
Others, specify

6. After the implementation of the “Colorum” Transport Ban, how long is your travel time?
Less than an hour 2 hours
One hour More than 2 hours
1 and a half hour
GOD BLESS YOU!

28