CH gives a “go” for MRTSI

CEBU, Philippines — Anytime from now, the Metro Rapid Transit Service Inc. (MRTSI) can start accommodating the stranded commuters from the south district of the City of Cebu.

This was after the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) gave a go signal to the transport company after conducting a dry run last month.

CCTO Operations Chief Francisco Ouano told The FREEMAN that allowing buses from MRTSI to access the side roads along N. Bacalso Avenue is feasible.

He said among the factors they are looking into is to address the need for public transport considering that there are numerous students, workers, and others stranded in the area during peak hours.

“Atong gi-address ang need sa mga tawo kay kuwang gyud kaayo og PUJ (Public Utility Jeepney). We allow nga mo-access sila kay mao man ang kinahanglanon sa mga tawo,” Ouano said.

The monstrous traffic in the south district was caused by the ongoing construction of the underpass project.

With that, CCTO found out that the horrendous traffic usually occurs during peak hours which are from are from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. where numerous passengers from Barangays Bulacao and Mambaling are having a hard time getting a jeepney ride.

To recall, last February 19, the City Council approved the resolution of Councilor David Tumulak, chairman on public order and safety, allowing MRTSI to deploy more stops in the south district.

The identified additional bus stops will be in V. Rama Street, Fuente Osmeña, Bulacao, Basak San Nicolas, Pardo, and Mambaling.

At present, MRTSI only have stops at SM Seaside, Plaza Independencia, Fuente Osmeña, and Mactan.

However, Ouano has no idea yet how many buses will be ferrying passengers from the south but maybe there will be four bus units.

“Definitely, dili pako sure pila gyud but upat man to ang ilahang giingon before. Basta ang atoa diha nga ma-address nato ang concern sa mga tawo sa kakulang sa jeep,” he said.

When asked whether or not it would affect the livelihood of the jeepney drivers, Ouano said ”sa pagkakaron traffic gyud diha, so makasabot gyud ang mga drivers ra ana."

During the operation of MRTSI, the CCTO will monitor every now and then so that they can address possible traffic concern.

Ouano added only bus units from MRTSI are allowed to ply the streets in the south district.

Other buses, mini buses and delivery trucks have to pass through the Cebu South Coastal Road. (FREEMAN)