International Journal of

ADVANCED AND APPLIED SCIENCES

EISSN: 2313-3724, Print ISSN: 2313-626X

Frequency: 12

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 Volume 12, Issue 11 (November 2025), Pages: 93-105

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 Original Research Paper

Navigating gridlock: Unraveling the causes and consequences of traffic congestion in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija

 Author(s): 

 Januaryn Jose B. Aydinan *

 Affiliation(s):

 College of Criminology, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan City, Philippines

 Full text

    Full Text - PDF

 * Corresponding Author. 

   Corresponding author's ORCID profile:  https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9926-5806

 Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2025.11.010

 Abstract

This study investigated the causes and impacts of traffic congestion in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, using a descriptive research design with 114 respondents (38 drivers/operators and 76 commuters) selected through convenience sampling. Vehicle counts at the National Highway and Public Market identified peak traffic hours, while a validated and reliable researcher-designed questionnaire gathered views on congestion, socioeconomic effects, and mitigation measures. Results showed that narrow roads, poor infrastructure, and weak enforcement of traffic rules were the main causes of congestion, leading to longer travel times, stress, and higher fuel costs for both commuters and businesses. Although both groups recognized its negative socioeconomic effects, their opinions differed on the effectiveness of existing measures, which were generally seen as ineffective. The study recommends strengthening road infrastructure, improving public transport, enforcing traffic regulations, and adopting demand management strategies such as carpooling incentives and congestion pricing. It emphasizes the need for integrated urban planning, multi-sectoral collaboration, and continuous policy review to reduce congestion and enhance the quality of life in San Isidro.

 © 2025 The Authors. Published by IASE.

 This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

 Keywords

 Traffic congestion, Socioeconomic impacts, Infrastructure, Public transport, Policy framework

 Article history

 Received 10 March 2025, Received in revised form 8 September 2025, Accepted 17 October 2025

 Acknowledgment

The researcher gratefully acknowledges the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology Administrators, the College of Criminology Faculty, and the Municipality of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, for their invaluable support and assistance. 

 Compliance with ethical standards

 Ethical considerations

Prior to participation, all respondents were informed about the purpose of the study, and their voluntary participation was ensured. Informed consent was obtained, and respondents were assured of anonymity and confidentiality of their responses.

 Conflict of interest: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

 Citation:

 Aydinan JJB (2025). Navigating gridlock: Unraveling the causes and consequences of traffic congestion in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 12(11): 93-105

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 Tables

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