3 private bus firms may be allowed to use underpass

CEBU, Philippines — The chairman of the Cebu City Council on public order and safety committee, Councilor David Tumulak, is urging the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) to allow the buses of three private companies to utilize the underpass along N. Bacalso Avenue once it becomes operational on June 15.

Tumulak said units of MyBus, operated by Metro Rapid Transit Services Inc., Ebus of Persano Corp. and KMK Bus Transit are an alternative mode of transportation to south district residents.

He hopes CCTO would allow these buses to access the P638 million underpass as it ferries stranded passengers in the city’s south district, especially during peak hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tumulak is also amenable to prohibit provincial buses and mini buses from passing through the new road infrastructure.

Last Sunday, CCTO operations chief Francisco Ouano said all buses and mini buses are barred from using the underpass as they can contribute to traffic congestion.

He added he is amenable to Tumulak’s request to allow KMK, MyBus and Ebus in the underpass.

“Yes, I think we can allow KMK, MyBus and Ebus because there are only a few of them. But we cannot allow the buses and mini buses. They can use the Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR),” Ouano said.

Tumulak is also asking CCTO to put up traffic signs before the official opening of the underpass for the safety of the drivers and motorists.

Ouano assured Tumulak and the public that his office will put up traffic signs to prevent untoward incidents.

As of press time, Ouano is still waiting for the reply from the Department of Public Works and Highways-7 on his request for a meeting to finalize the traffic scheme in the south district. (FREEMAN)