ILOILO City – The city government envisions a more efficient bus rapid transit (BRT) system to complement ongoing efforts to enhance the city’s livability.
“We will have to come up with a better transport system – the BRT,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
While acknowledging that Iloilo City is not presently on par with Cebu City and Metro Manila, Treñas believes the city will eventually reach that level.
The mayor recounted a traffic experience of over three hours during his journey from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to his hotel upon returning from Vienna, Austria. He emphasized the need to enhance Iloilo’s transportation system to prevent similar congestion issues.
Treñas emphasized the importance of adopting BRT early in the city’s development to proactively address potential traffic challenges.
BRT systems in cities like Cebu and Davao have been initiated by the national government through the Department of Transportation to improve the efficiency and seamlessness of public transportation.
“We have been pushing for the realization of several bus rapid transit systems and busways across the country to make the movement of public utility vehicles more efficient, effective, and seamless,” said Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade.
Treñas is currently evaluating a proposal from First Balfour Inc. to develop an electric vehicle (EV) BRT for the city.
First Balfour Inc. aims to provide an end-to-end transport solution that integrates various elements of EV transport, such as passenger information, ticketing systems, and timetable scheduling, to offer a seamless, reliable, and clean transport experience.
The EV BRT, as a low-carbon urban transport system, is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, boost the local economy, and have a positive environmental impact. The plan includes using a mix of 12-meter and 18-meter articulated buses on a test-pilot basis.
“We believe there is a market demand for an EV BRT transport system. This will complement the modernized jeepneys,” said Antonio S. Payumo, First Balfour’s vice president, during his visit to Treñas’ office in March this year.
Treñas recently welcomed the introduction of electric vehicles in the city, aligning with his vision for a more sustainable and resilient future for Iloilo City.
The city’s first innovative zero-emission and fully electric shuttle service, in collaboration with SM City Iloilo and MORE Electric and Power Corporation, was launched on Sept. 15.
“I think the more electric vehicles that we have, integrated, the better it is for our city,” the city mayor said during the launch ceremony./PN
