THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) welcomed the Integrated Inter-Modal Transport System Program for Cebu following the announcement of Secretary Arthur Tugade that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to implement a “basket of solutions” to the mass transit needs and to address the traffic congestion in the metropolitan area.
CCCI President Consul Antonio Chiu said this multi-faceted set of infrastructure investments when complemented with non-infrastructure initiatives can hopefully ensure the smooth flow of people, vehicles, goods, services and investments in the island of Cebu.
“We look forward to the system that incorporates the Bus Rapid Transit, Point-to-point bus system, Light Rail Transit, monorail and even the Intelligent Transportation System. We look forward to the collaboration of all stakeholders in the quick implementation of these projects to shorten the suffering of the Cebuano community,” Chiu said.
CCCI also supports the proposal of the Central Visayas Regional Development Council for the creation of the Metro Cebu Traffic Management Council (MCTMC).
"We believe that having an oversight body consisting of relevant government agencies with private/business sector representatives promises to be an institutional mechanism to address traffic management in the metropolitan area in general and alleviate the monstrous traffic congestion that has affected all sectors of society and has even pushed foreign and local investors away from Cebu," the chamber said.
It added that the challenge is how to "walk the talk" in translating into coherent policies and guidelines, strict observance of basic laws and regulations, speedy and smooth implementation of infrastructure projects, such as roads and the intermodal mass transit systems and inculcating a culture through education and discipline of the drivers, public and many more.
The MCTMC, to be organized immediately, should have its functionality in place, clear accountability spelled out, exercise transparency in all its actions and decisions to be effective and efficient, the CCCI said.
"The ultimate test will be in the safety in the thoroughfares and smooth flow of people, vehicles, goods and services throughout metropolitan Cebu," Chiu said. (PR)