Group proposes new route for Cebu’s BRT

CEBU, Philippines - The Movement for Livable Cebu is seeking to change the route of the proposed Bus Rapid Transit system from its original design.

The group has come up with a population density map where BRT, a mass transit system, pass through and found out that based on its original design it will traverse in some less populated areas such as the Osmeña Boulevard going to the Capitol area.

During the 888 News Forum held at Marco Polo Plaza recently, Rudy Alix, one of the MLC conveners, said they are proposing the BRT to start from Bulacao-Pardo and pass through N. Bacalso Avenue, P. del Rosario, New Imus road, M.J. Cuenco Avenue all the way to M.C. Briones and turn left to Cabancalan, Mandaue City.

As originally designed, 240 long buses will be deployed to serve 14 designated stations from Bulacao and will occupy the city's major thoroughfares, including N. Bacalso Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard, N. Escario Street and Governor Cuenco Avenue to Talamban.

Alix explained that the MLC's motive is to make BRT system succeed being the first in the country.

"Dako kaayong kauwawan if we have BRT that is not feasible after all because sa iyang operation dyutay ra'y manakay," Alix said.

He also stressed that if it's a mass transit system, it should serve the masses and should pass through a heavily populated areas where it can be operated more feasibly by the operators.

 "If it has to succeed, let it succeed. We will try to choose the best route, we are not opposing just because we want to oppose but we are opposing and at the same time proposing something which we think is better," Alix added.

In the same forum, Cebu City Councilor Gerardo Carillo said the proposal will be included in the series of discussions of the project details.

"We will look closely and listen to the suggestion to the areas nga maagian sa BRT. I agree we need to have this working because this would be the first BRT system in the Philippines," said Carillo, who chairs the committee on transportation management in the City Council.

The World Bank has approved a $141-million financial package for the development of the Cebu BRT to provide the city's residents with a more efficient, reliable, fast, safe, and climate-friendly transport system.

The World Bank said the package will be made up of a $116- million loan and a $25-million Clean Technology Fund.

The Philippine government, for its part, will provide $87.5 million for the project.

The project is planned to be built from Bulacao to Talamban in Cebu City and seen carrying 330,000 passengers daily. The World Bank said since the BRT will run on its own designated lane, it will make traveling faster and safer.

The BRT system was introduced in Curitiba, Brazil in 1974 and has gained popularity across the globe for its efficiency and affordability, the World Bank said.