DOTr told:Be transparent on BRT

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Councilor James Cuenco has called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to be transparent about the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

Cuenco, who also sits as the City Council’s transportation committee chairman, made the call after expressing his disappointment over the project delay.

The first phase of the BRT project is scheduled for December this year.

But Cuenco said the target month is “impossible” to meet due to unfinished matters.

The councilor met with DOTr representatives the other day to discuss the status and updates on the BRT project.

He said there are unfinished processes and paper works that are needed prior to the implementation of civil works.

“Naa silay giingon nga paningkamutan nila ang target nga December 2021, kaning initial roll-out. The problem is daghan sila’g target karong May nga wala pa nahitabo,” Cuenco said.

For instance, he said, the bidding for the first phase is not yet done as other bidders are eyeing to contest the bid.

Also, he said, the project lacks the National Economic and Development Authority’s approval of the scope and cost.

He said the document is required by the Department of Budget and Management.

He said the project’s technical service consultant is currently working on the implementation plan.

“Medyo taas pa gyud ang maagian. Nakaingon ko nga dili ta mag-expect ani nga mahuman inig December. Why only now? Nganong karon raman mo nag-follow up aning mga butanga?”  the councilor said.

He said the said national office is handling/overseeing the project so he cannot do anything about it.

Cuenco said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, who visited Cebu last week, already issued an ultimatum to DOTr engineers to fast track the project and to meet the target schedules.

“But the way things are going right now, doubtful kaayo nga mahuman na by December,” said Cuenco.

The entire Cebu BRT project spans 13.2 kilometers, traversing South Road Properties through Mambaling, up to IT Park. It will have 17 stations, two terminals, and one depot.

A 20.2-kilometer feeder system, with sidewalk bus stops, will also be established to complement the BRT along the following routes: Cebu IT Park-Talamban, Mambaling-Bulacao, andTalisay-SRP.

Once fully operational, the Cebu BRT is seen to serve around 60,000 passengers daily.  — KQD (FREEMAN)