P975M for BRT in DOTC 2013 budget

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has included P975 million in its 2013 proposed budget for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System for Cebu City.

The item is part of the DOTC’s foreign-assisted projects with a total amount of P7.879-billion.

DOTC led by Secretary Mar Roxas submitted the proposed budget of P32.747 billion, lower than its current budget of P34.571 billion, now pending before the House Appropriations Committee.

There are no other specific items for Cebu but appropriations under the foreign-assisted projects include LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension (P3.272-billion); Multi-Role Response Vessel Acquisition Project (P1.5-billion); Maritime Disaster Response Helicopter Acquisition Project for P465.9-million; New Bohol (Panglao) Airport Development Project worth P867.1 million; and the Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project at P798.8 million.

The DOTC Secretary revealed that for 2013, locally-funded projects would total P14.407 billion which include the P5.116 billion subsidy for mass transit (MRT 3), the P2.575 billion Project Development Funds for Public-Private Partnership Transport Infrastructure Projects, and the P2-billion LRT Line 2 East Extension (to Masinag).

The other locally funded projects include: Bicol International Airport Development Project (P400 million); Airports and Navigational Facilities worth P654.371 million; Ports and Lighthouses for P217.5 million; DOTC Road transport IT Infrastructure Project (P1.3 billion); MRT 3 Operation and Maintenance (EDSA LRT III) worth P1.114 billion; Transport Studies Fund worth P1 billion; and DOTC - Executive Management Information systems worth P30 million.

The proposed Cebu City BRT Corridor Project Phase 1 was evaluated by the National Economic Development Authority Infrastructure Staff in Manila.

The DOTC considers the BRT to be at present the most suitable mode of transportation in Cebu City with possible expansion to the outlying towns and cities of Metro Cebu.

In 2009, the World Bank commissioned the Integrated Transport Planning Limited (ITP) to conduct a study and concept plan for a BRT for Cebu City.

Pre-feasibility study report of ITP presented to the Cebu City Government showed that a conservative daily demand of 220,934 passengers; an estimated annual revenue potential of US$15 million; a very limited road right of way acquisition as the BRT will use existing routes; and the proposed route will traverse the existing Bulacao to Ayala route passing through N. Bacalso Ave. to Osmeña Blvd. to Capitol to Ayala.

The BRT has an economic internal rate of return of 19 percent compared to the social discount rate of 15 percent, making it economically viable.

The BRT Corridor Project Phase 1 is expected to cost US$195 million.     - THE FREEMAN