CEBU CITY (PNA) – Cebu’s business leaders have cited the urgent need for a mass transport system in the island-province in pushing for the adoption of both a bus and rail-based transit system here.

City officials are pushing for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, while the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) is studying a proposed $602 million or roughly P27 billion Light Rail Transit–Mono Rail Transit (LRT-MRT) system for Cebu.

City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he will not endorse the LRT-MRT system until his BRT system is completed.

Eric Mendoza, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president, said having both the BRT and the LRT-MRT will enhance business and development for the entire Cebu.

He said the mass transport system will avoid overly congested traffic and spur the establishment of growth areas in other parts of Cebu.

He said the proposed BRT and LRT-MRT are both relevant to the province’s business sector.

Mendoza said both mass transit systems are environment friendly and enable the swift movement of people, goods and services and will allow access to cheaper homes beyond Metro Cebu.

He hopes the projects will be implemented well, with the BRT system serving the peripheral routes from the LRT stations’ drop-off terminals or centers.

Businessman Teodoro Locson said both systems, if properly planned and integrated, will be good for both for this city and the province.

Businessman and past Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Robert Go said he favors a mass transport project, be it LRT or BRT.

“It’s a good development for the transport system. The old jeepneys belch smoke, cause pollution, and could cause traffic due to some undisciplined drivers,” he said.

He explained that the project can declog the streets that can then be devoted to delivery vans, taxis, buses, tourist vehicles, and trucks for business and commerce, similar to Hong Kong and Singapore.

Philexport-Cebu executive director Fred Escalona said the problem in inbound logistics or the movement of goods and services from suppliers to production factories or storage facilities have been considered one of the most “glaring concerns” in the supply chain of Cebu’s export sector.

This was discovered in a recent sectoral export marketing plan facilitated by Philexport-Cebu.

“Cebu is growing so fast. It’s about time for Cebu to have an efficient mass transport system. This is a good project, provided that it is efficiently mapped out by not disturbing the flow of traffic,” Escalona said.

He suggested that jeepneys be stationed in the LRT’s drop-off points since the buses used in the BRT system might further congest traffic.

“Cebu’s economy will be well-compensated if we address the issues now, including the fast movement of goods,” he said.

Samuel Chioson, CCCI president, said an efficient mass transport system would redound to everyone’s benefit.

“Better mobility always results in a move vibrant economy,” he said.

Chioson said if there’s a way for both systems to co-exist, both systems can be pursued.