Cebu City seeks Mandaue support for BRT System

CEBU - With a transport system eyed to connect Talisay City, Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City, Acting Mayor Michael Rama is asking Mandaue City officials to support Cebu City in pushing for the establishment of the Bus Rapid Transport System.

In a letter to Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes, Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna and members of the Mandaue City Council, Rama said Cebu City hopes that Mandaue will support this policy direction.

“We understand, however, that the decision for the form of the future transport system in your city resides primarily and absolutely in your city government and people. We are earnestly seeking for your agreement and support in this policy direction,” the letter reads.

Rama said that once it materializes, Cebu City plans to have the BRT System as its primary mode of public transportation. The BRT System is eyed to pass through the main transport corridors of Talisay City, Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City.

Cebu City is now on the process of negotiating with the national government, through the Department of Transportation and Communication, for the establishment of the BRT System.

Engr. Nigel Paul Villarete, Cebu City Planning and Development Coordinator, said he is willing to sit down with officials of the concerned cities and present the advantages of the project.

In an earlier interview, Cortes said he is in favor of the system but the decision needs to be a cohesive decision among the Mandaue officials.

Talisay City, however, has conditioned its plans for a Light Rail Transit System from Argao town to Danao City, as earlier proposed by First District Congressman Eduardo Gullas.

The BRT System shares the same working principle with the LRT System, only that it uses buses instead of trains. — Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)