To-Cubao: Transit Routing Specification
A specialized commute routing and terminal locator application designed for Metro Manila's busiest transit interchange.
Core route mapping algorithms and terminal database indexing in progress.
The Commuting Challenge in Metro Manila
Cubao (located in Quezon City) is widely recognized as the single largest transit crossroad in Metro Manila. Everyday, hundreds of thousands of commuters converge on Cubao to transfer between major rapid rail lines (MRT-3 Line running along EDSA and LRT-2 Line running along Aurora Boulevard), inter-provincial bus terminals, UV Express shuttles, jeepney corridors, and city bus routes.
However, public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals in Cubao are heavily fragmented across private transport hubs, Araneta City bus ports, EDSA service roads, and side streets. Navigating transfers—especially for first-time visitors, provincial travelers, or night commuters—often involves navigating confusing footbridges, unmapped jeepney terminal stops, and inconsistent fare structures.
Commercial navigation platforms often struggle with Manila's informal transit network because traditional GTFS feeds rarely capture informal UV Express loading points, jeepney drop-off zones, or pedestrian elevated walkway links accurately.
Solution Architecture: How To-Cubao Solves Transit Navigation
To-Cubao addresses transit navigation through a specialized spatial graph model tuned specifically for Metro Manila's transport ecosystem:
1. 3D Terminal & Walkway Node Map
Models multi-level pedestrian paths, elevated footbridges (e.g., MRT-LRT transfer walkways), and street-level terminal portals in 3D canvas view to provide exact turn-by-turn walking guidance between train concourses and bus bays.
2. Multi-Modal Route Graph
Combines rail schedules, city bus routes, jeepney service corridors, and UV Express routes into a unified transit network graph powered by Dijkstra / A* pathfinding.
3. Provincial Bus Terminal Directory
Indexes over 20 provincial bus company terminals in Cubao (e.g., Victory Liner, Genesis, Five Star, Florida, Baliwag Transit), detailing destination routes, ticketing bay locations, and trip schedules.
4. Crowdsourced Route Verification
Enables commuters to submit real-time updates regarding terminal relocations, temporary road re-routing, and fare updates via open GitHub YAML records.
Data Sourcing & Transit Standards
The routing engine powering To-Cubao relies on open transit data standards and community mapping:
- LTFRB Route Records: Public utility vehicle franchise route definitions published by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
- OpenStreetMap (OSM) Pedestrian Networks: Detailed sidewalk, crosswalk, and overpass geometries curated by OpenStreetMap Philippines mapper communities.
- General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS): Standardized static schedule feeds for MRT-3, LRT-1, LRT-2, and PNR commuter rail lines.