BRT now 2 months delayed

CEBU, Philippines - The Bus Rapid Transit project for Cebu City has already suffered a two-month delay from the continuous deferment by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

During the January 18 NEDA Board meeting, the BRT was not among the projects tackled to the dismay of Cebu City officials.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he wants to meet with the BRT Committee to be updated on the status of the project.

The mayor fears that the delay might result in its closure despite everything that the city government has worked for to materialize the project.

Lawyer Rafael Christopher Yap, acting department head of the City Traffic Operations Management and BRT Project coordinator, said initial schedule for its inclusion in the NEDA agenda is on March or May yet.

Yap said the ball is now with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) which is the agency that will defend the Cebu BRT Project before the NEDA board.

During last November’s meeting, NEDA deferred the project reportedly because DOTC failed to defend it.

NEDA asked DOTC to submit more proof that the BRT system is feasible in Cebu.

The DOTC must come up with a proof of concept which NEDA requested during the November meeting.

The BRT is estimated to cost over P9 billion to be funded by a loan from the World Bank.

Since it is a mass transportation project, it will be paid by the national government.

Yap said the BRT project for Manila is way behind what they have accomplished for the Cebu BRT.

Rama voiced his fear that Mala-cañang might favor the Light Rail Transit (LRT) over BRT.

He said the President has been more inclined to implement LRT.

“That’s why I need to convince him again. We need to protect Cebu City as a heritage city,” Rama said.

The mayor believes the LRT will destroy the aesthetic value of Cebu City, which is proud of its historical spots and places.  (FREEMAN)