Cebu City officials back P55 toll for 3rd bridge

Cebu City officials supported a P55 toll fee for the proposed third Mactan-Cebu bridge, saying it is “logical” considering the time and money spent on being stuck in traffic.

“I would agree. Putting a toll fee is practical and logical so that the bridge is also properly maintained,” said Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., who heads the City Council transportation committee.

Archival Sr. said investors of the third bridge project need to recover their costs.

While he isn’t sure if the cost is reasonable enough Archival said the benefits of a third bridge outweigh the disadvantages.

He said motorists still spend more for gasoline and time, especially when stuck in traffic going to Mactan Island.

Unsolicited proposal

“If you’re going to look at it when you travel from South Road Properties (SRP) to Mactan, you spend more than P100 for gasoline plus the fact that you lose time due to traffic. I think all in all your expenses will be more than P200,” Archival said.

Just last week, Cebu City Hall formed its Joint Venture Selection Committee (JVSC) headed by City Administrator Lucelle Mercado to review the unsolicited proposal of project proponent Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC).

They will submit their recommendations to Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama next month who will then decide on the proposal and submit it to the Cebu City Council for approval.

The bridge will connect the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City to barangay Pilipog in Cordova town.

The Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) also backed the idea of imposing a toll fee for the third bridge.

Not a bad thing

“Traffic wise, it’s all about having more access. A third bridge will go a long way and will have a big impact in improving traffic in S. Osmeña and Mandaue City. Instead of going to Mandaue from the south, motorists can go directly through Cebu City,” said Citom executive director Rafael Yap.

A third bridge can also boost tourism since it would mean improved and additional access going to the south.

Yap said a toll fee isn’t “a bad thing” since it would go to proper bridge maintenance.

“The government won’t be shelling out money on this. Everything is done by the private sector. So the tax money that would have been used in building a bridge can go instead to other projects,” he added.

Yap said he also talked with MPTC representatives to consider allowing SM Seaside City’s high quality public transportation through the bridge and was assured they would do so.

The P16.5 billion project will be funded by MPTC.

In terms of revenue, proponents said 95 percent of revenue will go to them while the remaining five percent will be divided between Cebu City and Cordova town.

Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy earlier said he expects a groundbreaking for the project in January next year followed by construction in the next three years. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he’s positive the project will push through.

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