Rama: Delay building bus stations

The removal of this center island and the ornamental trees is necessary to ease traffic along the Mambaling Access Road, accordin to the Cebu City Transportation Office. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants the construction of bus stations for SM Seaside Mall in the South Road Properties delayed until the city government completes the clearing of the center island along Mambaling access road.

In yesterday’s press conference, the mayor said he is asking SM and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to support his move to clear the road of the center island and other barriers.

“I’m not against SM’s High Quality Public Transport System (HQPTS). But the most important thing is they have to be mindful that they should not be a problem. That is why there are things to be done,” Rama said.
SM’s buses will transport customers to and from their SM Seaside Mall that is scheduled to open this November.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project chairman Rafael Yap said they will start the construction of bus stations before the end of the month.
“Initial operation (of some buses) will start at the time the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) transport ministers conference in October. The  Metro Rapid Transit Services Inc. (between SM and Jam liner) will operate it,” he said.
The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) will install a dozen signposts today on both sides of Mambaling Access Road to and from SRP, CCTO executive director Rey Gealon said.
The CCTO anticipates the heavy volume of vehicles during the opening of SM Seaside City Mall.
“The signposts bearing the marking  “no parking, tow-away zone” will be installed in order to discourage illegal roadside parking in the area. This stretch of road must always be clear and smooth for traffic. That’s all the more reason why the center island should be cleared,” he said.
The mayor earlier confirmed his order to remove the center island in Mambaling access road, saying the city doesn’t need them.
The Cebu City Parks and Playgrounds Commission said the ornamental trees lining up the island will be transferred to Block 27 of the North Reclamation Area within this week.
Rama said he is also against a proposal by hotel and mall operators to add 2,500 taxis in Metro Cebu because it will only aggravate traffic congestion.
“Where would they have these taxis pass through? Should we build another flyover in the city for these taxis? It would only ruin the skyline in a compact heritage city like ours,” the mayor said.
At present there are 5,750 taxi units in Central Visayas, of which 5,700 are operating in Metro Cebu.