New traffic lights aren’t the only developments Cebuanos can look forward to this year. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has just announced that it is eyeing the partial operability of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) within 2021.
Fast-Tracked Cebu BRT timeline
The agency ordered the Cebu BRT project management team and concerned transportation officials to implement a 24/7 construction schedule to fast-track the project’s completion. The new work schedule will not only hasten the progress of the BRT project, but will also generate jobs for the locals of Cebu.
DOTr secretary Arthur Tugade emphasized that key personnel must be based in Cebu, and that 90% of all personnel working on the project must be Cebuanos. “While I’m addressing our program of projects, I am addressing the need of the economy and I’m addressing the requirements of the pandemic,” said Tugade.
The Cebu BRT project includes the establishment of a 13.2km BRT lane with 17 stations, two terminals, and one depot. It will traverse the South Road Properties (SRP) through Mambaling and eventually up to IT Park. Once completed and fully operational, the Cebu BRT is expected to ferry about 60,000 passengers daily.
Project to add bus stops and shelters
Currently, Package 1 of the project is reportedly at the procurement stage. This major component of the entire BRT project covers a 2.6km segment of the busway with four stations. It will also include “urban realm enhancement, and vital intersection improvements.”
There will also be a 20.2km bus feeder system that will be built alongside the Cebu BRT. The system will run with mixed traffic and will be feature sidewalk bus stops and shelters along the following routes: Cebu IT Park–Talamban, Mambaling-Bulacao, and Talisay-SRP.
You can check out the DOTr’s official announcement below:
So, how do you think will this new BRT improve traffic in the province of Cebu? Share your two cents in the comments.
