Tuesday, May 13, 2008 Cebu City seeks financial aid for mass transit
THE Cebu City Government is exploring possibilities of financial and technical assistance from various funding sources for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
“These are the kind of activities that require external assistance,” said City Planning Officer Nigel Paul Villarete.
According to Villarete, they already met with World Bank (WB) officials.
They want the WB to help create a conceptual plan for a corridor system that will enable a BRT-like transport system.
The City also wants the WB to help in the formulation of an internal transport system at the South Road Properties.
City Hall has already sent an official letter of request addressed to the Public, Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility of the WB.
Villarete hopes for the WB’s answer within the next two months.
“Whether it is a `go’ or a `no go,’ we don’t know,” he said.
The City Government is exploring all ways in order to accomplish the project, he said. In fact, the project is a priority for the City, he added.
“The project is a must. The project should have been there yesterday,” he said.
This is the reason the City also discussed the project with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, for the latter’s possible support.
Villarete said they have made progress with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).
“DOTC is now formulating a draft, terms of reference, for a possible feasibility study for the BRT, specifically for the Talamban-CBD (Central Business District) route,” he said.
Villarete said they have been waiting for DOTC to take the lead in this sector.
He said the agency may have been focusing too much on problems in Metro Manila, but it should not neglect other regions.
Establishing a Light Rail Transit or a Metro Rail Transit system here in Cebu is currently being discussed with the DOTC, but nothing is final yet.
Villarete said the City is open to all forms of mass transport, as long as it does not cost City Hall anything. (EPB)
