BRT to affect at least 200 jeepneys

CEBU, Philippines - One of the biggest transport groups in Cebu welcomes the approval of the Bus Rapid Transit project even if it would mean dislocation to some of its members, especially the jeepney drivers.

Ryan Benjamin Yu, president and general manager of Citrasco, said at least 200 of their units will be affected by the BRT.

“Naa gyuy mga ruta sa jeepneys ang ma-affected. Sa CITRASCO lang mga 200 units ang ma-affected,” Yu said.

According to Yu, Cebu has more than 10,000 jeepney units. Those will be affected by the BRT will either stop plying their routes or will apply for another travel line.

Meanwhile, Cebu sixth district Representative Gabriel Luis “Luigi” Quisum-bing was happy about the approval of the BRT project by the National Economic Development Authority.

Quisumbing believes that his district will benefit the project economically because its proximity to Cebu City.

“We are really thankful that PNoy has given the go signal for the Cebu City BRT,” Quisumbing said in a statement.

Quisumbing added that Mandaue City and the municipalities of Consolacion and Cordova are strategically located, ideal for growing industries and businesses.

“An efficient mass transportation system will facilitate carriage of people, goods and services to improve over-all commerce in our District, adjoining areas and the entire Province of Cebu,” Quisumbing said.

Quisumbing said that Cebuanos are grateful that the Department of Transportation and Communication has recognized the importance of an efficient mass transportation system in Cebu and really pushed for the approval of this project.

“Cebu more than ready for the BRT. A convenient, reliable and efficient BRT will give Cebu a further push in its economic and social progress,” Quisum-bing said.

Lawyer Rafael Yap, operations chief of the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management, said he will meet with Mayor Michael Rama to discuss on the next steps that the city government should take to assist DOTC in the implementation of the project.

    He said that a separate monitoring team will assess the traffic impact of the project as well as the possible dislocation of jeepneys that will be affected by the project.

The P10.62 billion BRT project is expected to be operational in early 2017. —/FPL (FREEMAN)