LGUs want BRT expanded to their areas

CEBU, Philippines - Other local government units within Metro Cebu want an expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit to reach their area in the future.

Officials and urban planners from the different LGUs within Metro Cebu as well as representatives from the business sector attended the public consultation and orientation on the Cebu City BRT project yesterday.

Engr. Maria Concepcion Encabo, OIC- BRT Project Management Office said that the BRT project is expandable because it is flexible.

In the future, if funding permits, the LGUs may pursue the expansion of the BRT in their area to widen the scope of benefits of mass transportation.

Collin Brader, lead consultant of the Cebu City BRT Project earlier said that gradual expansion of the BRT is expected after the people start to see its benefits.

Right now, the project will be implemented in the pilot route in Cebu City from Bulacao to Ayala to Talamban passing through Osmeña Boulevard, Escario Street and Banilad-Talamban Road.

An expansion is eyed in the South Road Properties after the completion of the pilot route.

The SRP is expected to become a busy district in the near future after the completion of the development of the area by its different locators.

Mayor Michael Rama, who also attended the consultation, said he was encouraged by the good reception from the different sectors.

He is also in favor of expanding the BRT to other LGUs.

The mayor said that BRT should be implemented first before the Light Rail Transit.

“Let’s focus on BRT first. LRT can wait. BRT and LRT can co-exist as long as the LRT will be constructed in the mountain barangays and will not cause major environmental and heritage damage,” Rama said. –(FREEMAN)