Garganera: LRT project in Cebu long overdue

Saying it’s long overdue, Cebu City opposition Councilor Joel Garganera welcomed the initiative of a Japanese and local consortium to conduct a pre-feasibility study for a proposed light rail transit (LRT) project in Metro Cebu.

“Pabor kay mi anang LRT kay that’s long overdue. We already approved that in the City Council,” he told reporters.

Last October 2017, the council passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Tomas Osmeña to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Tranzen Group Inc. for the feasibility study.

Two days ago, the mayor and officials of Tranzen signed the MOU for the conduct of the project’s pre-feasibility study.

The MOU, though, is not binding and will not create any contract relationship between the City and Tranzen.

The agreement is also not exclusive, which means that the City can still accommodate other interested investors who will submit their unsolicited proposals for the same kind of mass transport system.

As proposed, line 1 of the LRT project will go from the town of Consolacion to Mandaue City, Cebu City and Talisay City.

A separate MOU signing for the pre-feasibility study of the project will be conducted in the other three local government units.

In a press conference yesterday, Garganera said the LRT will help ease traffic.

Garganera, former head of the council’s committee on transportation, said the first corridor, which is around 21.5 kilometers, will connect the four local government units (LGUs).

“Gi-identify na na sa una pa kay that will really decongest the traffic from the north to south and vice versa. Maminus na ang pagda sa mga sakyanan. Niadtong tungura, wa magkasinabot sila (mayors then) sa mode of mass transit,” he said.

The councilor lamented that at that time, Osmeña introduced the bus rapid transit (BRT) instead.

“A very selfish move. Imbis unta to solve the problem of the four lgus, iya hinuong gisuksok sa (Barangays) Pardo to Talamban. It’s no longer feasible. When you talk about BRT, the roads should be widened kay dedicated lane man na siya,” he said. /