BRT corridor project under NEDA review

CEBU, Philippines - The proposed Cebu City Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Project Phase 1 is now in the evaluation stage by the National Economic Development Authority Infrastructure Staff in Manila.

This was reported by the Regional Development Council-7 during its full council meeting last Thursday in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

The evaluation report is expected to be submitted to the NEDA-Investment Coordination Committee on July 15.

In its meeting last March 26, 2012 in Larena, Siquijor, the RDC endorsed the BRT project to NEDA-ICC.

A copy of the RDC resolution containing the endorsement was submitted to NEDA Secretary Cayetano Paderanga and Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas last April.

The DOTC considers the BRT to be at present the most suitable mode of transportation in Cebu City with possible expansion to the outlying towns and cities of Metro Cebu.

The DOTC in its letter dated February 24, 2012 requested RDC endorsement of the BRT Corridor Project Phase 1 to the NEDA-ICC for approval.

The Cebu City Development Council has likewise approved and endorsed the BRT project to the RDC for subsequent endorsement to the NEDA-ICC.

The RDC Infrastructure Development Committee which was tasked to review the said proposed project has recommended RDC endorsement of the same to the NEDA-ICC for approval.

In 2009, the World Bank commissioned the Integrated Transport Planning Limited (ITP) to conduct a study and concept plan for a BRT for Cebu City.

Pre-feasibility study report of ITP presented to the Cebu City Government showed that a conservative daily demand of 220,934 passengers; an estimated annual revenue potential of US$15 million; a very limited road right of way acquisition as the BRT will use existing routes; and the proposed route will traverse the existing Bulacao to Ayala route passing through N. Bacalso Ave. to Osmeña Blvd. to Capitol to Ayala.

The BRT has an economic internal rate of return of 19 percent compared to the social discount rate of 15 percent, making it economically viable.

The BRT Corridor Project Phase 1 is expected to cost US$195 million. — (FREEMAN)