DOTr assures BRT, LRT operational by 2020

CEBU, Philippines — Despite pessimism of some officials, the Department of Transportation has assured that the Metro Cebu Integrated Intermodal Transport System, which includes Cebu Bus Rapid Transit and Light Rail Transit, will be operational by 2020.

DOTr director for communications Goddes Hope Libiran said the BRT project will be fully operational by then while the LRT project in Metro Cebu will be in partial operation. Libiran said the construction will start next year.

Libiran made the assurance following Cebu City Administrator Nigel Paul Villarete’s negative opinion about it.

“The DOTr respects the opinion of Mr. Villarete. However, instead of being negative on the project, why doesn’t he just support the government for the faster completion and implementation of the project?” Libiran said.

Villarete was vocal on his belief that BRT and LRT will not be operational by 2020. Villarete, an urban planner, is the point person of the city government on the BRT project. According to him, the 2020 target for BRT to start operation is not realistic and doable.

“The original target was June 2021 for phase 1 and that was prior to the delays. That may still be achieved if a realistic catch-up program is instituted but very difficult. 2020 for me is not realistic,” he said.

Villarete said he is also certain that the LRT cannot start operations in 2020. He is even willing to bet his professional reputation on it.

He said there is no feasibility study for the LRT project from different proponents yet, adding that the processes at National Economic Development Authority also take time.

Villarete said there are several factors to consider for the BRT and LRT projects such as the detailed engineering design, procurement of civil works, financial close, among others.

Instead of being skeptical about the projects, Libiran urged Villarete to support the national government instead because it is the people of Cebu that will benefit the projects.

Libiran said the detailed engineering design is now being done.  She said that Secretary Arthur Tugade has imposed the 2020 target so that the proponents of the projects will be challenged and exert more effort in completing the transport system for Cebu.

Libiran said they will follow all government procedures on these projects.

The new timeline for the BRT project is not yet with her, adding that she cannot announce the specific details yet as to the procurement of buses, train cars, and the testing.

But she said the detailed engineering design will be done early next year. The road right-of-way acquisition and procurement of civil works will immediately follow. (FREEMAN)