DOTC mulls road map study

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications is set to conduct a roadmap study for Metro Cebu to comprehensively address concerns on public transport and traffic.

This is also in preparation for the implementation of the P10.6 billion Cebu-Bus Rapid Transit, which is expected to be operational by 2017.

The project, assisted by Japan International Cooperation Agency in cooperation with the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board, is expected to commence in June.

Rama together with a representative from MCDCB went to DOTC Wednesday and met with DOTC Undersecretary Rene Limcaoco and DOTC Assistant Secretary Sherielysse Bonifacio. They were able to discuss the developmental study and its funding.

 Evelyn Nacario-Castro, executive director of Mega Cebu-Research, Planning, Organizing and Development, said the master plan includes different routes of public transportation in Metro Cebu.

“We will be having a very comprehensive road map study for Metro Cebu for seven road maps and other modes of public transport,” she said

“There’s a need to look at it from a metro-wide perspective. There are issues and challenges including transport and traffic which is not limited to a single local government unit,” she added.

 Rama said this will help in the “decentralization and empowerment” in the issuance of franchises, regulating the number of public transport and the likes.

 “Cebu City being a highly-urbanized and bustling city with the increasing economically by leaps and bounds it is incumbent for us to be given the chance to handle this with effectiveness and efficacy. This has to start,” he said.  (FREEMAN)