The traffic situation along Katipunan Avenue has worsened over the years. While there was some respite from the usual congestion experienced along the stretch of interest that has 3 major schools and a mall during the pandemic, ‘traffic’ is back with a vengeance and the new normal seems worse than the old. That Katipunan has changed a lot over the decades is an understatement. The photo below shows high rise buildings completed and under construction. All of these are residential condominiums along Katipunan and Xavierville. Many students now reside there and walk, cycle or take public transport to school. Enrollment though at Ateneo, Miriam and UP has also increased over the years. That means more trips generated by the schools. And with many still dependent on cars for their commutes, it is no wonder that the traffic situation is usually hellish especially during the peak hours.

I took this photo while stopped in traffic at the SM Marikina service road one morning. I have been commuting along this route since the late 1980s and at that time, there were no tall buildings along Katipunan. However, traffic was already bad especially along the stretch from Aurora Boulevard to C.P. Garcia. Its worse now from what I have observed and experienced these 35 years.

There will likely be more condos to be built in that area. The question is if these will lead to more people walking, cycling or using public transport, and becoming less car-dependent. What are the travel characteristics of people there? How much is through traffic?

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