Public transport in a small island of a developing country

This paper explores the existing forms of public transport system and their services as well as travel pattern of people in Siquijor Province, an island of the Philippines. Household questionnaire survey, interview of the passengers of various public transport modes at their stations, and a detailed participatory observation were conducted for the research. Bus, jeepney, easyride, tricycle, and habalhabal are the available public transport systems in the island. However, these services do not provide travel time, waiting time, availability or frequency, comfort, and safety that is required by passengers. Majority of the people mostly prefer the easyride for comfort and less waiting time whilst the bus for comfort. Considering the travel pattern, socio-economic situation and topographic condition, the research tried to identify which form of public transport system would be appropriate for the island. It was found that bus is appropriate for longer trips while easyride for the inter-municipal trips and habalhabal for the trips in mountain areas.