Paperwork for BRT begins

CEBU, Philippines - The World Bank now has in its possession the official endorsement of the Department of Finance (DOF) regarding the funding request for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

The request is to tap the World Bank’s Clean Technology Fund (CTF) for the BRT’s feasibility study.The DOF endorsement covers BRT projects in both Cebu City and Metro Manila. It speaks of an allocation for a 50-kilometer BRT line, which would be divided between the two areas.

“The ball is now in the court of the World Bank. They will evaluate the proposal and they will come up with the issue on when to schedule the bidding for the feasibility study,” said Nigel Paul Villarete, Cebu City Planning and Development Coordinator.

Once the proposed USD1 million-funding for the feasibility study is approved, the feasibility study may begin by September or December, the latest.

The World Bank, in coordination with the City Planning and Development Office, already completed last month the pre-feasibility study for the BRT. World Bank consultants are expected to present this, and their final report, to the Cebu City Council on June 16.

In relation to this project, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will conduct a Household Interview Survey (HIS) in the different Cebu City barangays. Through the survey, information can be gathered on passenger travel demand. This will be the main input in developing a public transport strategic plan for Metro Cebu.

The HIS will be on June 22 to July 17. The survey will cover randomly selected households which will represent two percent of the city’s total household population.

“I am hopeful that everything turns out fine. This is not only for Cebu City, this would in turn lead to more BRT in other cities. Davao, Naga, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro have been identified as potential for BRT,” Villarete said.

Cebu City is open to sharing the CTF for other links in Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City, as well as other towns who might be interested.

“Last Tuesday, Mandaue City passed a resolution requesting to be included in the line. Other towns may request to be included. We will influence them but we will not force the BRT to them,” Villarete added.

Talisay City officials rejected the BRT, saying it is not feasible in their area.

“Talisay has already indicated that they’re not interested. Personally that makes me a little happier because it means there will be more fund left for the city. In fact, last Monday, I have already requested Citom to prepare documents of initial data in so far as other possible lines that might be submitted for the next cycle of project development,” he said.

They are eyeing lines in Guadalupe and possibly Banawa area that will connect to Katipunan and F. Llamas St., and possibly lines that will go to Lahug and will connect to the Talamban road. Another line is also being eyed from the South Road Properties to the North Reclamation Area.

These proposals, however, are still subject to the technical evaluation on their feasibility.   (FREEMAN NEWS)