PNoy explains deferment of Bus Rapid Transit system project in Cebu

By Rachelle M. Nessia

CEBU CITY, Dec. 1 (PIA) --President Benigno S. Aquino III wants the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Cebu perfected prior to its implementation. 

The President in an interview during his lunch with allies of the Liberal Party (LP) in Cebu, said the BRT’s approval was deferred by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to give time to iron out issues. 

He said the government cannot experiment on the project which is estimated to cost P10 billion. 

“Medyo may kulang. There is a need for segregated roads to minimize the stop and go pero meron ba talagang lugar sa Cebu na mas segregated tayo,” Aquino said. 

The BRT plan needs to include segregated roads as dedicated bus lines will replace several jeepney routes, Aquino said. 

He, however, said that the adoption of a mass transport system is the direction of the government in Cebu. 

BRT advocate Cebu City South District Congressman Tomas Osmena said he is amenable for the deferment for as long as it is not scrapped. 

The project is supposed to start next year. 

Osmena started the advocacy on the adoption of the BRT in Cebu instead of the Light Rail Transit when he was still mayor of Cebu City. 

He based his decision on the success story of Bogota, Colombia where carbon footprints were reduced by cutting back largely on the usage of cars. 

The pedestrians, specially the children, can safely walk in the sidewalks while lanes for bicycles are also included for health enthusiasts. 

BRT will also make travelling time faster, Osmena said. 

Jeepneys will not be totally scrapped since these will ply the secondary route. 

Some of the drivers will also be accommodated as staff in the BRT system. (PIA-CEBU/FCC)