A double-decker bus like Singapore.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Double-decker buses, the ones that are used in Singapore, are planned to be utilized to traverse the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) route, as per a resolution filed by a local legislator.
Despite the CBRT’s ongoing civil works and its consistent delays in completion, Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon, chairman of the Traffic Management Committee (TMC), drafted a resolution that had yet to be presented to the council next week, February 7, during the council’s regular session.
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In his penned resolution, Gealon requested the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to utilize double-decker buses along the CBRT route.
For context, double-decker buses are buses that have two decks for travelers and a staircase to access the upper deck.
Gealon said, through his resolution, that double-decker buses would be “beneficial” to the city, especially when utilized along the CBRT route.
“Double-decker buses could “maximize” ridership, and in turn, could transport a “higher number of people” using fewer buses,” read an excerpt from the resolution.
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Last November 2023, the progress of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project faced further delays as the Cebu City Traffic Management and Coordination Committee (TMCC) was hesitant to approve the installation of additional board-ups along N. Bacalso Ave.
The project contractor sought permission during the TMCC meeting on November 23, 2023, specifically for a board-up at the intersection of P. del Rosario St. and Leon Kilat St.
However, TMCC Chairman City Councilor Rey Gealon expressed reluctance, citing multiple complaints against the project as the reason for the committee’s hesitation.
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Despite this acknowledged setback, Gealon emphasized the potential benefits of implementing a double-decker bus system, similar to those in Singapore. He highlighted that such buses can accommodate more passengers, leading to enhanced “effective and efficient” mobility.
Recently, the councilor also requested the Department of Transportation (DOTr), through a separate resolution which was approved by the council, to conduct a study that will determine the feasibility of the planned subway project in Cebu City.
The subway project will traverse Barangay Bulacao in the south to Talamban in north as a means to ease vehicular traffic.
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