A reader called us up last week suggesting that the CITOM install a UPS for the traffic signal system so that they would continue to work even during power outage.
The reader had observed that the traffic situation became bad during the power outage as the traffic lights are off.
There were several other complaints about last week’s problems caused by the brownouts. One way to address this would be to train the barangay tanods to man traffic. Of course, they must also be equipped not only with the right skills but also the proper gear that would make them visible.
A security guard was reported to have been hit by a vehicle last week in Minglanilla while he was directing traffic during a heavy downpour.
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We received this email from Leonardo ‘Jojo’ Roa, Jr. last week.
This is about the debate on which is better – BRT or LRT. Here it is:
Dear Nimrod,
Been reading lately about which transport system is better and more beneficial.
But I think the bottom line here is - what is the sentiment(s) and opinion(s) of the Cebuano Tax Payers who ultimately would shoulder the burden later on.
We suggest that Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) must step in and sponsor a Face-Off between the two proponents, the Honorable Gullas and Osmeña, Live on local TV, to present the Cost-Benefits of each specific transport system they are proposing. Because it seems that both of them are continuously hitting the local papers but nothing concrete about how much will we be paying for either of each and ending up that basic services will again be compromised as what is now happening with the SRP, that the prime City in Visayas and Mindanao have roads similar to planet Mars, drainage problems getting worse, etc.
Best regards
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Somebody once asked us which do we favor, the Bus Rapid Transit or the Light Rail Transit? Personally, we believe that the BRT is easier to do, but of course there are a lot of considerations that must be taken for both forms of mass transport.
One of the ways to ease the traffic situation would be to have a good mass transport system that is comfortable for the commuters. This way, they would leave their vehicles at home thus reducing the number on the roads.
While it will take years to get the mass transportation system going, government can start by implementing laws that are in place to rid the streets of vehicles that are not roadworthy.
It seems that people can still get their vehicles registered at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) even if they fail the emission test and also the motor vehicle inspection.
On the part of the public transportation, those who are without a garage should not be issued a franchise and we’re happy to see that the regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Benjie Go, is doping something about the problems in his office.
We don’t even need new laws to rid our roads of many vehicles.
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For comments, complaints and suggestions please feel free to contact us at 2531276 or 2538613 local 237.
You can also send email to nimrod@mozcom.com.