CBRT phase-1 is now over 50-percent done

More than 50-percent of the civil works for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) package 1 is now complete.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that despite some delays they are able to manage 52.21 percent completion. The project is the country's first mass transit system outside Metro Manila.

The BRT project consists of a 17-kilometer segregated lanes with 22 stations, a depot, and two trunk terminals from South Road Properties (SRP) and Bulacao in the Cebu City south district to IT park in the north district.

It also has an 18-kilometer Mixed Traffic Line System with two terminals and 62 bus stops throughout Metro Cebu for smooth travel.

Once the entire project is completed, it is expected to serve 60,000 passengers per day in its first year of operation and 160,000 passengers per day in full operation.

Investments from the private sector are expected to speed up the completion of DOTr’s infrastructure projects, including the Cebu BRT.

Speaking before the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Makati City on Thursday, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said big-ticket transport projects are "highly investible."

Under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, business leaders will realize the investment potential of DOTr projects, he stressed.

"You can discover their investment potential under the Public-Private Partnership scheme. Private sector investment will allow us to fast-track their (projects) completion," Bautista said.The government is open to private partners to finance transport projects due to public funding challenges, added Bautista.

Bautista disclosed that of the 198 infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), 73 projects are assigned to the DOTr. The department now has over 160 projects in the pipeline.

Bautista cited aviation projects involving the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), MactanCebu International Airport (MCIA), Clark International Airport (CRK), and Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

Other airport projects are in Bukidnon, Catbalogan, Tacloban, Caticlan, Dumaguete, Siargao, Zamboanga, Masbate, Kalibo, and the New Manila International Aiport in Bulacan. –