Livable Cebu Movement supports BRT

CEBU, Philippines - The Bus Rapid Transit project has earned the nod of the Movement for a Livable Cebu (MLC) after World Bank Consultant Colin Brader assured that their concerns will be addressed and considered.

The BRT project committee met with the group yesterday for a consultative meeting to explain why the project should have Osmeña Boulevard as its pilot route.

“As a pilot route, it (Osmeña Blvd.) is the best choice. Osmeña Blvd. is a high profile route and it has lots of destinations. V. Rama, on the other hand, can be included in the future,” Brader said.

MLC earlier suggested to make V. Rama Ave. the pilot route for the BRT project instead of Osmeña Blvd.

Yesterday's meeting was mostly attended by urban planners.

Brader explained to them that one of the reasons they chose Osmeña Blvd. is the number of jeepneys that pass the route daily.

There are 16,000 jeepneys that pass Osmeña Blvd. everyday or 220 percent more than the number of jeepneys that pass V. Rama, which is only 3,571.

Osmeña Blvd. is also a major destination while V. Rama is a residential area.

Brader said that one important edge of the Osmeña Blvd. route is access of passengers to the downtown area.

Brader also said there will be lesser road works required in Osmeña Blvd.

He assured that widening of roads will be minimal and will not severely affect the sidewalks that the Beautiful Cebu Movement has been trying to beautify.

The Osmeña Blvd. route has the support of barangays Sambag I, Sambag II, Sta. Cruz, San Antonio, Capitol Site and Camputhaw.

Brader said they have held various consultations with at least 14 barangays where the pilot route will traverse as well as with other sectors and so far, they have not received any oppositions.

The consultations will continue even until the completion of the feasibility study in August.

The preparation of the detailed design will be October this year until May next year and the BRT is expected to be operational by 2015.

Joel Lee, former head convenor of MLC said their concern is mainly on the effect of the BRT on the city's historical road.

“It is a ceremonial route especially during special events. When they asked us to comment, we said that we would like to protect it because Osmeña Blvd. is part of our heritage,” Lee said.

MLC also asked if the design of the stations can be modified so as not to obstruct the view of the Capitol Building.

Lee said that they appreciate the efforts of the project committee in consulting the different sectors.

Brader is also thankful to the group for the valuable suggestions and insights. – (FREEMAN)