Relationship between Traffic Volume and ‎Economic LossFrom Delays ‎Along President Jose P. LaurelHighway, Lipa City, Batangas

Abstract

Traffic congestion is a persistent urban transportation problem that imposes substantial economic losses through travel delays, increased ‎fuel consumption, and reduced productivity. This study examines the relationship between traffic volume and economic loss resulting ‎from traffic delays along President Jose P. Laurel Highway, a major arterial corridor in Lipa City, Batangas. Using one week of peak-‎hour field observations, data were collected on vehicle volume, average delay per vehicle, and additional fuel consumption. Economic ‎losses were estimated using standard transportation economics approaches, including the Value of Time (VOT) method and fuel cost ‎valuation. Pearson correlation and simple linear regression analyses were employed to quantify the relationship between traffic volume ‎and congestion-related economic losses. The results reveal a strong and statistically significant positive relationship between traffic volume and economic loss, with delay duration identified as the primary contributor to congestion costs. Comparative analysis further ‎shows that PM peak periods generate higher marginal economic losses than AM peak periods, reflecting intensified end-of-day travel ‎demand. These findings demonstrate that traffic congestion along President Jose P. Laurel Highway is not merely an operational concern but a significant economic burden. The study provides empirical evidence to support targeted traffic management measures, infrastructure improvements, and demand management strategies aimed at reducing congestion-related economic losses in Lipa City‎.