BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

According to American Public Transportation Association (APTA), light rail or light rail transit (LRT) is defined as an electric railway system characterized
by its ability to operate single or multiple car consists along exclusive rights-of-way at ground level, on aerial structures, in subways or in streets, able to board and
discharge passengers at station platforms or at street, track, or car-floor level and normally powered by overhead electrical wires. It is often claimed that through
establishing a permanent transport service with a high degree of permanence and visibility can result to the economic development of a certain urban realm. That is,
in terms of the LRT, if the light rail stations are strategically placed and city officials and private developers involved cooperate with one another, then the benefits
expected will be achieved.
Urdaneta City is a first class city in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 125,451 people, with the
density of 1,300/km2 or 3,200/sq mi, with a land area of 12,100 hectares. Gateway to Northern Philippines, the city's strategic location is on the central part of
eastern Pangasinan. On the other hand, Dagupan City is an independent component city in the province of Pangasinan in the Philippines. According to the census of
May 1, 2010, Dagupan City has a population of 163,676 people, with the density of 4,400/km2 or 11,000/sq mi, with an income classification of second class.
Located on the Lingayen Gulf on the island of Luzon, Dagupan is a major commercial and financial center north of Manila. Also, Dagupan is one of the centers of
modern medical services, media and communication in Northern Luzon.
This feasibility study proposes to construct a 30.5 kilometers Urdaneta-Dagupan Light Rail Transit in cooperation with the local government units of
Urdaneta City and Dagupan City, together with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH). The proposed system identifies connecting lines where it will pass, with its main points in Poblacion in Urdaneta City and Lucao in Dagupan City.
This proposal aims to reduce traffic congestion, especially on peak hours, and pollution in its main streets. This also looks into fostering the economic
development of the two cities, as well as its neighbors. There will be greater deals in the trade of goods, services and education between these cities and nearby
places. Furthermore according to The Housing and Transportation Affordability Index of 2012, housing near transit provides residents with an opportunity to decrease their
combined household and transportation costs. Residents in locations with close proximity to transit, shorter distances to major employment, and lower vehicle
ownership have lower monthly transportation costs. All in all, this study will benefit both Urdaneta City and Dagupan City and its people.
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INSTRUCTOR:

NAMES:

TOPIC:

1
GERARDO, GISELLE MAE D.

DIRECTO, MARK ISRAEL C.

ENGR. RESURRECCION V. GARROTE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY