BRT & LRT: We need both
Knowingly or unknowingly, Cebuanos are, generally, non-conformists. Consequently, we have become a race where even if some proposals are sound and have far-reaching benefits, we never cease to present other alternatives.
Truth to tell, compromise agreement and consensus have become rare commodities for us, Cebuanos. These qualities though have provided checks and balances that other parts of the country truly lack. To some extent, however, it drags some generally beneficial projects or plans that needed immediate implementation.
For one, we have been witnesses of this seemingly unending debate on what is the more appropriate mass transport system for us. Proponents and supporters are still at it. While Light Rail Transit (LRT) proponents pointed out its reach and span for emphasis, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) advocates underline its cost and ease of implementation.
To recall, a little over three years ago, just as we thought the project (BRT) will perpetually hibernate, then DoTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said that they had “proof of concept” on hand showing the feasibility of BRT in Cebu. Today, however, the situation has turned messy as NEDA Director-General Pernia is now considering LRT.
Knowing fully well that these projects have different proponents or backers (BRT-Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena; LRT-Talisay City Mayor Eddie Gullas and Presidential Assistant Mike Dino) disagreements will certainly drag to a certain extent and to a heightened animosity that we can’t foretell. Certainly, pride will set in. Such pride shall bring to the fore, arrogance, conceit, smugness or self-importance. Due to this predicament, Cebu’s mass transport system project will again hit a snag.
Moving forward, in fact, the traffic situation will largely change due to other significant developments. Remember, a third Cebu-Mactan Bridge is now a go. The question is, will that help ease our traffic woes? Skeptically, that remains to be seen.
For one, the old bridges will remain toll-free. Therefore, whether we like it or not, some stingy motorists from Cebu City down to Santander who may wish to go to the Island of Mactan will still opt to go through the old bridges and the City of Mandaue, a major choke point.
Secondly, the international seaport is right at the heart of Cebu City. Obviously, this is quite far from the proposed third bridge. Therefore, the locators of the three economic zones in the Island of Mactan may just opt to use the old bridges. Consequently, they shall remain big contributors of the traffic jams in Mandaue.
Yes, it is true that the transfer of the international seaport is being seriously looked into. However, this will be transferred, as proposed, to Tayud, Consolacion. Apparently, the cargo movers will pass through the foot of the first and second bridges and the Cities of Mandaue and Cebu before reaching the third bridge. Logically, therefore, they shall use the first and the second bridges. Moreover, port users whose main activities are situated in the southern part of Cebu will still go through the Cities of Mandaue and Cebu. Thus, still congesting both cities.
So that, we need to have a better mass transport system. With a regulated mass transport system, we will be able to rid our roads with undisciplined jeepney drivers who pick up and drop passengers anywhere (which causes traffic jams). Obviously, there are fewer drivers to discipline and can be better trained and strictly supervised. Likewise, commuters will certainly realize that unlike jeepneys that will pick them up anywhere as they wish, these buses or light trains will only load and unload passengers in bus stops or stations at a designated time.
Some BRT (bus rapid transit, a mass transport system that was initially considered) critics though have always put forward the idea that it will only worsen the present traffic condition as it will also use the same road that the current motorists are using.
Most right-thinking Cebuanos have a different take on this though. Why? The potential riders of BRT are car owners. Considering the traffic situation and the comfort these buses provide, they (car owners) might just opt to leave their cars in their garages than use them. Consequently, there shall be fewer cars running, thus, decongesting our roads.
The same is true with LRT. If we can have an LRT that traverses through the cities and municipalities from Carcar City to Danao City, and have the BRT that they can conveniently use in going to Talamban, for instance, then, all car owners in these localities will certainly leave their cars behind. Consequently, there shall be fewer cars entering the cities of Mandaue and Cebu, thus, decongesting our roads.
Apparently, therefore, we need both. That’s a no-brainer.
- Latest
