Bautista backs QC-Manila bus rapid transit system

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista expressed yesterday his support for the proposal of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to establish a bus rapid transit (BRT) system between Quezon City and Manila.

“They submitted a plan (for a system) from Quezon Memorial Circle to Manila city hall,” said Bautista in a text message to The STAR. “But I cautioned them not to disturb the trees.”

The mayor said he also asked the LTFRB to make sure that affected jeepney and bus drivers must be given alternative income sources should the system be established.

He added that the buses should run using alternative sources of fuel or those that passed European environment standards.

“The objective of the BRT is to rationalize transportation system, the use of limited roads, to better the environment and air quality,” he said.

“Paramount of which is efficiency of service, quality of life in a healthy environment for commuters and barangays surrounding the system,” the mayor added.

During a recent roundtable discussion with STAR editors, LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez unveiled plans for a BRT system between the two cities.

He said a feasibility study that will last for about six months will still have to be conducted to determine the cost, number of buses, and the stops that will be covered by the system.