Friday, July 11, 2008 Speak out: Bus Rapid Transit proposal By Jesus Sievert
MAYOR Tomas Osmeña deserves to be commended for initiating and asking the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to conduct a feasibility study on the applicability of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system for Cebu City.
BRT is a broad term given to a transportation system that, besides being fast and high-capacity, also provides service that is of a better quality than an ordinary bus line.
Unlike the standard bus service that is immersed in stop-and-go traffic, BRT may have its own right-of way or busway, that is why it is rapid.
Along the way, there will be designated locations for loading and unloading passengers.
Shifting to this proposed mode of urban public mass transportation bodes well for city’s long stretches of roads where schools, work places and commercial establishments are found.
Doing away with our present countless lower-capacity and highly polluting public utility vehicles will not only be good for the environment but also beneficial for the health of people.
Families with two or more cars will surely opt to ride every now and then the BRT mainly to save on gas and feel the convenience of the system.
Needless to say there will be fewer private cars on the road and therefore a notable reduction in transportation CO2 emissions will ensue.
The BRT will, undoubtedly, provide not only an enjoyable, comfortable and pleasant ride to your destination but most importantly will help get rid of numerous undisciplined and rude drivers and conductors whose uncouth antics annoy passengers.
Also with BRT, passengers will no longer have to endure the blaring music that is usually being played in PUJs and multicabs that only the driver and his conductor enjoy.
I hope Mayor Osmeña will relentless pursue this project and that the Cebuanos will be one behind him in making this laudable plan a reality.
