DOTr Promises Metro Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Completion by 2020

Officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured Cebuanos that the PHP17-billion Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is on schedule for its 2020 completion.

The BRT belongs to the first phase of the Metro Cebu Integrated and Intermodal Transportation System (MCIITS), which also includes the Cebu Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.

The MCIITS is the government's answer to the worsening traffic congestion in Metro Cebu.

According DOTr Communications Director Goddess Hope Libiran, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade wants the BRT to be completed earlier to "motivate and challenge the proponent" behind the project.

"2020 is the target set by Sec. Tugade for the proponent," Libiran said "That is the target that he wants them to achieve to motivate them. It's (also) a challenge for them."

The DOTr's assurance came after Cebu City Administrator Nigel Paul Villarete expressed dismay that the transport agency hasn't been contacting and updating them on the status of the project.

"The last time that the City was invited for a meeting with DOTr was last October 9 when some of the updates of the project were presented," Villarete complained.

Villarete, an urban planning and policy expert, also aired his doubts that the multi-billion project--which has been delayed several times--would be operational by 2020.

Libiran said that they respect Villarete’s opinion, but advised the official to "support the government to ensure faster completion of the project."

Regarding the DOTr's ability to complete a project on time, Libiran cited the Bohol-Panglao International Airport as an example. "Its original completion is in 2021 but we completed it in 2018," she said.