CEBU City Mayor Tomas Osmeña wants the underpass project on N. Bacalso Ave. to be exclusively used by buses of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
In his news conference yesterday, Osmeña said there is an ongoing discussion with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 on using the underpass as a lane exclusively for the BRT.
“Under the tunnel only the buses (are allowed to have access). It will be a dedicated lane. That’s the discussion,” he told reporters.
During the start of the construction of the underpass, it is not certain yet if the BRT will have access to the tunnel or the side roads.
DPWH 7 assured, though, that BRT can utilize the road if the underpass will be completed.
Once City and DPWH 7 will agree, other vehicles will have to use the service roads on both sides of the underpass.
When sought for comment, Engr. Roy dela Cruz, project engineer of DPWH 7, said it will be DPWH 7 Director Andor Canlas who can decide on the matter.
“That matter will be taken up on the level of the regional director, but we will wait for the formal letter from the mayor,” he said.
Barug Team Rama councilors agreed to the plan of Osmeña to review the road-sharing scheme of the BRT project on the Banilad and Talamban (BanTal) road.
In a news conference last Thursday, the councilors said it is a welcome development.
“I welcome that development. Now he sees the logic why there are oppositions to the BRT,” Councilor Raymond Garcia said.
Garcia said the move of the mayor means he is listening to the sentiments of those who are against the project. (RVC)