Business Bayani PH

The business community in Cebu is eagerly awaiting the commencement of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) operations later this year. Charles Kenneth C. Co, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), expressed optimism about the long-awaited project during a recent interview.

“Having the BRT is better late than never. Let us see how that helps,” Co remarked during the inaugural episode of Patigayon Sugbo, a new segment on Sugboanon Channel focusing on the local economy, on January 5.

Acknowledging the importance of addressing the city’s traffic woes, Co stressed the need for a comprehensive solution. He appreciated Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama’s immediate efforts to alleviate congestion, particularly in the Banilad-Talamban corridor, but emphasized the necessity of a more sustainable approach.

“In the longer term, it is better to have mass transit, like a train system. Once you have too many cars coming into one small area, it will really be difficult for traffic,” Co stated, drawing parallels with his observations in Melbourne, where cars from the outskirts stopped in suburbs and commuters took trams into the city.

Mayor Rama, who has openly shared his vision for a monorail system and trams in city centers, has garnered support from the business community. Co looks forward to the realization of the Mayor’s plan to establish a 4-lane circumferential road from South Road Properties (SRP) through Tisa, Guadalupe, Lahug, towards SM City Cebu.

“We do need these alternative routes. This can help decongest the traffic,” Co emphasized, acknowledging the significance of such infrastructure in diverting traffic from key areas like Ayala, Escario St., and Gen. Maxilom Ave.

Co also commended the private sector’s involvement in road development, citing Monterrazas de Cebu’s contribution to the circumferential road through a public-private partnership. He encouraged other developers to follow suit in different segments of the planned road.

In a bid to improve traffic flow and connectivity, Mayor Rama has engaged the D.M. Consunji, Inc. (DCMI) Group to assume a segment of the road, particularly in the Labangon-Banawa area where Kalea Heights will be developed.

Regarding the impending demolition of two skywalks along Osmeña Boulevard affected by the Cebu BRT project, Engineer Norvin Imbong, CBRT Manager, confirmed that the demolition would commence soon. Imbong mentioned that efforts were made to preserve parts of the structure, but uncertainties about its stability led to the decision to demolish.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, Chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, outlined the options for the demolition process. While the demolition is expected to take ten days, the removal and transfer option, initially ordered by Mayor Rama, may take up to 30 days. Guardo emphasized the need to consider public convenience, particularly during the holiday season.

In a related development, the full operations of the Cebu BRT, initially planned for the near future, have been delayed to 2027, according to the Department of Transportation. However, the department aims for partial operations by the end of this year.

The Cebu business community remains optimistic about the positive impact of the BRT operations, emphasizing the urgency of additional mass transit options and improved road networks to address the city’s growing mobility needs. As the city moves forward, collaboration between the public and private sectors is deemed crucial in realizing these infrastructure improvements.