Pedestrianization, etc.: BRT complementing

Our (CPAs) recently concluded 6th PICPA (Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants) Cebu Summit was a resounding success. With the theme, “SOAR & ROAR, we tackled economic issues, corporate governance concerns, the remaining proposed TRAIN packages, digital transformation, climate change and leadership.

Though we were supposed to limit ourselves to these topics, some participants just can't help it but did ask questions that were not within the purview of the summit. However, having a keynote speaker in Sec. Ernesto Pernia (Socio-economic Planning), the participants never let the opportunity pass. One of those concerns was the alleged cancellation of the previously approved Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Emphatically, Sec. Pernia said, “it is a go”, to the loudest cheers of the participants.

Indeed, the traffic congestion in Metro Cebu is becoming too unbearable. So that, in whatever forum, regardless of its purpose, Cebu's traffic concerns will always find a way to sneak in. So far, truck ban is the only visible solution implemented. However, truck bans, though have ease vehicular traffic jams a bit, have resulted to a host of many other problems and inconveniences. Worst, mostly, have economic and financial implications. More often, the movement of goods (both raw materials and finished goods) were curtailed. Thus, production activities were disrupted and deliveries of finished products came to screeching halts at some point in time.

Having these scenarios for several years now, we heard several proposals from stakeholders. Some sectors even suggested to instead ban private cars, not cargo trucks, on the streets at peak hours.

However, as is customary, when a proposal comes along, generally, two possibilities may happen. Depending on one's inherent biases, it is either given a “thumbs up” or a “thumbs down”. Worst, locked in a fierce exchange of thoughts, protagonists and adversaries (like honest-to-goodness citizens and politicians) will even go to the extent of hurling accusations or even invectives just to make their points heard.

For instance, for many years now, apart from the overpass/ skywalk construction issues, we have been witnesses of the seemingly unending debate on what is the more appropriate transport system for us. Proponents and supporters were all at it countless of times. As has always been, while Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) advocates underline its cost and ease of implementation, LRT proponents are batting for its reach and stressed that, truly, it is the most appropriate solution.

Knowingly or unknowingly, these inherent qualities have made us non-conformists. Consequently, we have become a race where even if some proposals are sound and have far-reaching benefits, we never cease to present other alternatives. As a result, projects (like mass transport systems) that may have solved traffic congestions remained frozen. If there is any consolation, it is that consensus among proponents of embracing a mass transport system.

However, apart from a mass transport system, urban planners must also seriously consider “pedestrianization.” As NEDA-7 Regional Director Efren Carreon said, during our (PICPA Summit organizers) dinner with him and Sec. Pernia, it is the “restriction of access to a street to pedestrians only.” Thinking aloud, this idea deserves a closer look. For one, pedestrianization of congested streets could be a very effective, inexpensive and sustainable solution to our traffic woes. Devoid of smoke-belchers, people will go there by foot and in droves. Thus, decongesting other streets.

Moreover, separated bicycle lanes should be considered as well. Truth to tell, other countries that have implemented it have already reaped their desired benefits. They've practically made cycling (bicycle) “a much safer and more attractive option”. Their separated bicycle lanes are “dedicated bike lanes with concrete medians and planters, bicycle parking corrals, or vehicle parking lanes that divide them from vehicle traffic”.

Furthermore, there is a need too to widen our streets' sidewalks. With trees providing the shade, commuters might find some great feeling of comfort and the benefit of walking for health reasons. Knowing fully well that bike riders won't be using the sidewalks, pedestrians will find these walkways very safe as well. So that those who are just a kilometer away from their desired destinations may just have to take a stroll than take public utility jeepneys or buses.

Admittedly, our traffic woes are long and flatly permanent and shall need permanent antidotes. Thus, once and for all, let us seriously look into these traffic congestion concerns that are besetting the metropolis today. The antidotes aren't scarce. These are readily available. We just have to, one by one, grab it.