Philippines planning a BRT for 2020

19 April 2012 – Taking its inspiration from Brazil, a proposal for  Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the Filipino city of Cebu has been endorsed for a planned launch by 2020. City representatives say the system will earn $15 million in revenues annually.

The BRT, modeled after bus transport in Curatiba, Brazil, will rely on dedicated bus lanes and elevated platforms where buses stop to pick up and unload passengers. The network will include 190 buses served by 411 drivers with smaller vehicles serving as “feeders” for areas outside the BRT system and commuters will pay bus fare using smart cards or tickets.

Bike and pedestrian lanes will be part of the land use plan and a mass transit route from Barangay Bulacao to Talamban will be the highest priority corridor. The BRT system will cost $195 million to complete by 2020, but will potentially earn $15 million in annual revenues.

The Study and Concept Plan states that “BRT in Cebu is physically, institutionally and financially feasible. It will offer a new form of public transport that has the potential to significantly enhance the mobility of those that live and work in Cebu, benefitting growth in the local economy, and offering significant environmental benefits.” This is fully in line with Smart Move values and we could not have put it better ourselves.

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