Arroyo supports BRT project

CEBU, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday assured Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña of her full support to the mayor’s Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) project in the city.

The President gave the assurance during her 20-minute talk with Osmeña at his house in barangay Guadalupe yesterday afternoon.

Osmeña said the President instructed the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to speed up the feasibility study of the BRT project.

The mayor, however, admitted that the project could not be done in just a year, saying it cannot even be realized until the end of his term.

He said one of the problems that the project may encounter is the lack of budget for the right of way that will cost billions of pesos.

Osmeña said the government had spent P40 million for the right of way during the construction of a 590-meter flyover at the corner of Governor Mariano Cuenco Avenue and A.S. Fortuna Street in Banilad.

 He explained that the government needs billions for the right of way for the expansion of the roads where the BRT will operate.

Under the project, the BRT has exclusive lanes and because the city roads are narrow, the only solution is to ban the private and public utility vehicles from using the roads where the BRT operates.

 Chief city planner Nigel Paul Villarete said the feasibility study for the BRT project may start a few weeks from now.

The BRT system was proven to be an effective mode of transportation in Bogota, Columbia. Then Bogota Mayor Enrique Peñaloza, who is behind the implementation of the system in his place, will visit Cebu in May to brief local officials about the project.

Osmeña said he is also planning to implement the BRT system at the South Road Properties (SRP), where buses are only allowed to roam.

He cited as example the procedures implemented by the management of Plantation Bay, in which vehicles are only allowed up to the parking area.

The resort’s guests are required to ride a cart, which is operated by the resort employees, in going to their cottages. — Rene U. Borromeo/LPM   (THE FREEMAN)