MANILA, PHILIPPINES: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is now studying a new bus system that would regulate the operation of buses in Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares.

MMDA Vice Chairman Cesar Lacuna said they are now looking into the possibility of implementing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a scheme being practiced in other countries such as China, Japan and Colombia.

The project, which is being pushed by the Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAIAC), is also being endorsed by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Feliza Gozun.

"BRT could provide a win-win solution to mass transit problem in Metro Manila,’’ Lacuna said.

Under the proposal, a bus fleet to be put up by a consortium would operate its vehicles along the major roads to be approved by the MMDA, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Lacuna explained that the proponents seek "exclusive’’ BRT routes along the inner lanes of the major thoroughfares, while loading bays will be located on the center-island to serve the commuters.

"Since all buses are left-hand drive and their doors are located on the right side, buses on the BRT route will traverse their designated lanes on a counter-flow basis,’’ Lacuna said.

Proponents will have to construct pedestrian overpasses to provide access to the loading bays at the center-island.

Proponents said the system is cheaper compared to other modes of mass transport like the Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit, and could work even without building additional road lanes, which is expensive for the government.

MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno said the MMDA has not yet given its approval to the project, saying further study is still needed.

Source:
http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2005/03/06/MTNN2005030630023.html#

See also: "Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): A Win-Win Solution for Mass Transport in Metro Manila" presented by CAI-Asia and Partnership for Clean Air