Wide access needed to SM Seaside at SRP

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said there are still concerns that need to be addressed before SM Seaside can start operating its High-Quality Public Transport System (HQPTS) at the South Road Properties.

In his regular session yesterday, Rama said this includes the removal of the center island, barriers, widening of the Mambaling access road, and putting up signs for the bus stops.

“I think it’s already a done thing. You can’t have SM operating without any access to it. But the most important thing is they have to be mindful that they (SM) should not be a problem. That is why there are things to be done,” he said.

Rama said the city government cannot allow buildings at SRP to be operational while restricting the entry of the public transport system, stressing that it could be impractical and anti-business.

He said he already tapped SM Prime Holdings Inc. and Department of Public Works and Highways-7 to assist the city in the road widening of the Mambaling access road.

Within the week, the city’s Department of Engineering and Public Works will start removing the center island at the SRP in anticipation of the traffic congestion in the area as soon as the SM Seaside will open by the end of the year.

Rama said the operation of HQPTS in the area would somehow contribute to the traffic.

The city’s transportation czar, Rafael Yap, said Metro Rapid Transit Services will start constructing bus stations by October this year.

“Initial operation (some buses) will be had by the time APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) transport ministers conference in October. New entity Metro Rapid Transit Services Inc (between SM and Jam liner) will operate,” Yap said.

Cebu City Transportation Office executive director Rey Gealon said his office will install signs on both sides of Mambaling access to and from SRP.

“This, as CCTO anticipates the heavy volume of vehicles during the opening of SM Seaside City Mall. The signposts bearing the marking ‘no parking, tow-away zone’ will be installed in order to discourage illegal roadside parking in the area. This stretch of road must always be clear and smooth for traffic, with more reason that it should be with the removal of the center island plus 100 percent enforcement,” he said.

SRP Management Office chairman Roberto Varquez said they are eyeing to put up lay-by near the SM Seaside premises for the dropping off center of the mall goers.

Varquez said that this was discussed during their meeting with the transport group.

“Dili man pwede mo stop sa highway, dili pwede mo-park pod sa highway. So, we need to install lay-by gyod,” he said. —/FPL (FREEMAN)