PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the soon to be constructed Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) will serve as the cornerstone of the urban renewal initiatives in Cebu City.
At the ground breaking ceremony of the Package 1 of the project last Monday, Marcos said the Urban Realm Enhancement projects in the city will be focused “along the BRT.”
“This will include the building of structures that promote non-motorized modes of travel, like walking, like bicycle lanes,” Marcos said.
The first phase of the project will include the construction of a 2.38-kilometer (km) segregated bus lane with four bus stations as well as a 1.15-km pedestrian improvement, which will link the CBRT System to the Port of Cebu.
The Chinese contractor Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Group Co.Ltd. was awarded the almost P1-billion Package 1 of the CBRT last November.
The CBRT is a three-phase project with a P16.3-billion funding approved by the World Bank and the French Development Agency in 2017.
During its first year of operation, the project is expected to provide a “faster and safer” mode of transportation to 60,000 passengers and provide better working conditions for transport workers.
“Apart from the greater convenience that it will bring to our people, I am sure it will also provide greater opportunities and improve the conditions of our current public transport drivers,” Marcos said.
“I trust it will also support economic development through travel time savings, environmental improvements, and reduction of accidents among residents and visitors of the city,” he added.
Marcos said the government will provide just compensation to property owners and relocation sites for informal settlers, who will be affected by the construction of the CBRT.
He also appealed for patience from Cebu residents who will be affected by the construction works of the CBRT.
“I invite everyone to remain patient, to be considerate, as these temporary disturbances and interruptions are aimed at pushing long-term benefits for the city and for the province,” Marcos said.
Image credits: PNA/Rey S. Baniquet