Lapu-Lapu City signs MOU for mass transport feasibility study

CEBU — The city government of LapuLapu has entered into an agreement with a company for the conduct of a feasibility study for a mass transport system project in the city.

Under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that was signed by LapuLapu Mayor Junard Chan and Futran Philippines President Jose Christopher Fornier on Thursday, May 11, the project will be at no cost to the city.

The feasibility would cost between P5 million and ₱10 million.

It was learned that the proposed transport network system will utilize existing and secondary roads, instead of the busy main thoroughfares.

"The city’s traffic congestion and increasing working population make the demand for a mass transit system, or 'people mover project,' and its project components an imperative and urgent concern of the city," a portion of the MOU stated.

Futran is a company involved in transportation and public utility services.

"We are one of the fastest-growing cities in the Philippines, so we need to upgrade our transportation system, especially for public transportation," said Chan.

According to Fornier, the feasibility study would consider monorail, light rail, or personal rapid transit systems that incorporate the "green concept."

During the signing of the MOU, Fornier was with Andres Low, who claims to be the inventor of a transport system that can navigate small streets and is powered by "green energy."

Low explained that the proposed transport system would use the existing road network but would be elevated above the road, eliminating the need for land expropriation for road right-of-way.