MyBuses expected to solve traffic woes

CEBU, Philippines – Mandaue City Planning and Development Council coordinator Florentino Nimor yesterday said he believed the MyBuses system of a mall will help solve traffic woes in the city, although not instantly.

"Initially, the buses could only add to the number vehicles on the street, but soon people will eventually leave their cars at home and start riding the MyBuses," said Nimor.

The city government favors the MyBuses system. "It is more convenient to ride on the mass transit that use private cars. Imagine the 60 people inside the bus, if each of them ride their own cars, there will be 60 cars on the street," he told The Freeman.

The CPDC head explained that the public, especially car owners, will initially observe first on how the new mode of transportation (MyBuses) is faring, and once they see that it is more convenient and economical than bringing their cars, they will start patronizing these MyBuses.

The MyBuses, owned and operated by SM, will serve the routes from Talisay City passing SM Seaside City at the South Reclamation Properties and vice versa, Talisay City to Mandaue City, and Talisay City to the airport in Lapu-Lapu City.

Nimor said that to "discourage" car owners from bringing their own vehicles, the Mandaue City will also "strictly" implement the no-parking areas along the road, thus the car owners "will use the buses" instead.

He said the city had requested the MyBus operator to also pass along Parkmall, the bus terminal and UC Hospital to bring in and out passengers in these areas. "This will also be good for business," he added.

Meanwhile, Nimor said Mandaue will temporarily use the manual changing of traffic lights because the city is still working on its automated system with an infrared detector of incoming MyBuses vehicles.

To do this, there will be people who will man the traffic lights with two-way radios to connect with their counterparts from other areas for a synchronized movement. He said that, when a MyBus is coming, the light should be green as it has to keep moving like a bus rapid transit.

The MyBuses system is expected to operate on November 27 when SM Seaside City opens. — /RAE (FREEMAN)