Here are some points on why LaagCebu.com supports the BRT plan.

Accoding to Wikipedia Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a term applied to a variety of public transportation systems that use buses to provide a service that is of a higher speed than an ordinary bus line. Often this is achieved by making improvements to existing infrastructure, vehicles and scheduling. It is a transport system with its onw right of way. The goal of this system is to approach the service quality of rail transit while still enjoying the cost savings of bus transit.

BRT System

Why BRT?

1. When operating in exclusive running ways or dedicated lanes, BRT systems can run at faster speeds than conventional buses in regular traffic and even as fast as light rail. By offering frequent service and avoiding traffic-related delays, BRT systems can provide riders with a more reliable travel time.
2. Minimum transfers from one mode of transportation to another. BRT is highly accessasble since it will follow same route with the typical jeepneys in the city right now.
3. Lesser amount of investment is required. This means that the BRT is more feasible and practical.
4. Faster implementation since no major road construction required instead roads will just be widened and rails be set up.
5. Through the use of clean and alternative fuel vehicles and the reduction in automobile traffic and congestion, BRT systems can help achieve air quality and other environmental goals.
6. BRT is more flexible compared to LRT, routes maybe change anytime to cater large volumes of demands on certain places depending on the occasion and other contingencies.
7. RT affords a great opportunity for tourist to view the city as if riding a bus. This is a more tourist friendly mode of transportation. BRT systems generally use rubber-tired, low-floor vehicles with wide doorways and aisles that are easy to board and comfortable to ride, most BRT vehicles are designed to provide premium seating and amenities while enjoying the view a city could offer.
8. Cleaner roads. Road maintenance is not duplicated.
9. Provides opportunities to build better sidewalks and pedestrian areas that will improve the life of the commuting public. A good city is not malls but public space and parks not parking lots. Parking is not a constitutional right. A good city should have places for people to walk and to be with other people. It should give people the needed spaces to play and should not make some people feel inferior.

LRT System

Why not LRT?

1. My experience in Manila is that boarding an LRT is tedious and inconvenient especially to the PWD and the advanced in age. LRT Stations are usually 50 to 100 steps above the road with no elevators. Passengers will have to climb stairs and hurdle a steep walk to reach to the ticket booth and ride the train. For PWD’s and grannys to ride the train is almost impossible.
2. After an LRT ride one will have to take another mode of transportation like a taxi or a jeepney in order to reach to his specific destination.
3. Currently, study shows that passenger volume in metro Cebu cities could not sustain maintenance of the LRT. Local government may have to allocate budget for its maintenance.
4. Talisay City to Mandaue City is so short a route for an LRT. This mode of transportation is designed for distant destinations and long trips. LRT speed and convenience is more appreciable on those kinds of trips.
5. LRT does not solve traffic jam problems. In Metro Manila alone, LRT, MRTI and MRTII proved to be inutile in solving traffic problem.