The solution to Cebu's traffic
It's been a week since I've been back in Cebu after being repeatedly deployed to provinces in Central Visayas for almost a month. Since my return, I have expected the usual on the streets -heavy traffic jams. As usual, my expectations were right. It is such a struggle now to find streets that are not filled up with vehicles. Navigation apps have been my best friend in navigating the city during rush hour. The apps give you the best possible routes in the shortest possible time. It takes patience and determination to survive the horrendous traffic in Cebu.
The Bus Rapid Transit has been a proposal since the 90s, as far I can remember. Back when Mayor Tomas Osmeña was also the mayor, there have been talks to make it possible as a foresight of what Cebu is to become. However, due to political rivalries and doubt in the current administration, the idea of a solution to the traffic woes in Cebu was shelved. It's only now that the project has started to take shape with the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
A lot of people still have doubts, including the aide of the president Secretary Michael Dino. Their reasoning goes in line with the current traffic situation today where the volume of vehicles is too much for the size of the roads that we have, especially during rush hours. They said the presence of the BRT will only make the situation worse since the transit will have its own dedicated lane. In several countries, the BRT has failed for reasons that we couldn't also see. On another note, there are also some countries which have successfully implemented their BRTs. In fact, it is what Mayor Osmeña has been using as a benchmark for the city.
As to the result, we will never know unless we try it. Although billions is needed in order to see if it is really viable for the city, we must keep in mind that the National Economic Development Authority has already approved the budget for this project. Not to mention, it also increased the budget for land acquisition last Friday. The acquired land is part of the process of widening the road to put up the bus stations.
The way I also see it, once the BRT will be proven effective then private vehicles which are operators of the transport vehicle network service will have no more use since the riding public will prefer the BRT. Also, jeepneys that do not know how to follow basic traffic rules (which results in congested roads) will also be operating outside the BRT route which are main roads. What will be left are select private vehicles since their destination could not be reached by the BRT. To me, it sounds exciting as it is as complicated. Cebu deserves the best solution it needs for traffic and I hope the leaders can see that beyond their own personal differences.
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