Hopes Up for Cebu BRT

For someone who has to take three rides and has to spend almost an hour in a public utility jeepney just to get to work, the proposed Bus Rapid Transit is worth-supporting.

Aside from a more systematic transport system, the Cebu BRT Plan that will be first in the country, offers convenience and faster drives to destinations covered by BRT route.

ABOUT BRT in Cebu

Then Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena proposed BRT system to be implemented in Cebu City. He travelled to Curitiba, Brazil to see how it can be realized here in the Queen City of the South.

With the BRT system, there will be designated bus lanes on the center of the road, off-board station collections, elevated platforms at stations and bus priority intersections. (It would look like the picture below.)

There will be 176 expected buses and 33 stops along the BRT route. The 23-kilometer BRT route will be from Bulacao to Talamban and vice versa. Buses will traverse Cebu South Road, N. Bacalso Avenue, Osmena Boulevard, N. Escario Street and Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue.

BRT buses will pass each station every two to five minutes. Each bus can accommodate about 86 to 100 passengers.

It is seen that private car owners would rather choose to take buses to their destinations as BRT system promises a quicker and easier way to places.

BENEFITS OF BRT to Cebuano commuters

1. Safe and secured – There will be waiting areas for BRT passengers. These areas will have CCTVs to ensure the safety of the commuters. Drivers of the buses will also be screened carefully to guarantee that they’re professional and accommodating enough to drive.

2. Shorter travel time – Since BRT is more systematic, buses will arrive in a scheduled time. There will be lesser delays compared to when riding a jeepney where drivers take forever to wait for passengers.

3. Cozy– One of the best things about BRT buses is that they’re air conditioned. Although they might have a higher fare than jeepneys, at least you get what you’re paying for.

BRT will link directly with Ayala Mall, SM Mall and also be incorporated into the new South Road Properties development.

Check out more 3D models of Cebu BRT below.