Cebu City Councilor Winston Pepito is defending the inclusion of the South Road Properties (SRP) in the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project, asserting that the city does not have to choose between the SRP and the original Bulacao–Talamban route. According to Pepito, both alignments can coexist, and the SRP segment could become operational sooner because the necessary road infrastructure is already in place.
Pepito's Argument for Coexistence
Pepito emphasized that the SRP alignment should not be seen as a replacement for the original route but as a complementary addition. He pointed out that the SRP already has wide roads and minimal traffic, making it ideal for a rapid transit system. "We don't need to choose. We can have both," Pepito said. He believes that prioritizing the SRP segment could provide immediate benefits to commuters while work continues on the more complex Bulacao–Talamban corridor.
Osmeña Pushes for Original Alignment
In contrast, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña continues to advocate for restoring the project's original alignment, which was designed to serve densely populated residential areas. Osmeña argues that the focus should remain on the original route to maximize ridership and address traffic congestion in the city's core. "The original route was planned to serve the most people. We should stick to that plan," Osmeña stated.
Potential Benefits and Challenges
The CBRT project, funded by the national government and the World Bank, aims to provide a modern, efficient public transport system for Cebu City. The inclusion of the SRP could attract more private investment and support economic development in the area, which hosts major commercial and entertainment venues. However, critics worry that diverting resources to the SRP might delay the completion of the original route, which is critical for residents in Bulacao and Talamban.
Pepito acknowledged these concerns but reiterated that the SRP segment could be implemented quickly and at lower cost. "We can start operating the SRP line within a year, while the other route will take longer. This way, people can already experience the benefits of the BRT," he explained.
