Group: Spare Fuente from city’s BRT route

CEBU, Philippines - If only to preserve its cultural and historical value, Fuente Osmeña should be spared from inclusion in the Bus Rapid Transit route.

This was the sentiment of the Movement for a Livable Cebu, a group of concerned Cebuanos who insisted that a “better route” can be utilized.

The group proposed an alternative route originating from Bulacao and passing through P. Del Rosario Street, Imus Road, M. J. Cuenco Avenue, M.C. Briones Street, and M.L. Quezon Avenue in going to Talamban.

“Osmeña Boulevard has a historic value in that it was once a Ceremonial Road, where visiting dignitaries were met at the Pier and paraded over the length of the road towards the Capitol. Thus, bus stops along the way might interfere with the vista of this road. We will withdraw our objection if low profile stops can be designed along this route,” MLC said.

MLC said its proposed alternative route “preserve(s) the historic value of Osmeña Blvd. and Fuente Osmeña, serve(s) the high population density routes and therefore the average commuter, cause(s) less traffic conflicts, make(s) it more feasible for the investors to operate and, in response to the latest events, save(s) a great number of trees.”

The group is worried that the BRT route includes areas with not enough commuters that would result to the non-maximization of the buses’ passenger capacity.

“We are concerned about the proposed route for the reason that the BRT will be passing through sections of the city which are not high population density areas, thus the potential lessened load factor of the buses may not make them feasible to operate,” MLC said.

The proponents of the BRT in Cebu City have suggested that it starts from Bulacao passing through Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard, Escario Street then to Talamban. This route includes Fuente Osmeña.

City Traffic Operations Management Executive Director Rafael Christopher Yap said he will address the concerns raised by the group in an appropriate time and venue.  (FREEMAN)