DOTC: Approves LRT in Cebu

The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has endorsed to the National Economic and Development Authority the implementation of the first phase of a proposed Light Rail Transport in Cebu City.

The project has been submitted for funding under the 25^{th yen package of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation. The DOTC, which is the implementing agency, has completed the evaluation and has n=endorsed to NEDA the implementation of a priority Phase I, Line I of the project.}

Line I is a 22-kilometer route from Talisay in the south to the town of Consolacion in the north. Implementation is expected to start in 2002. The proposed LRT system stretches 71 kilometers along the eastern coast of Cebu province, from Carcar in the south to Danao City in the north.

Right-of-way acquisition is expected to start before the end of year 2000. At the same time, environmental documentation and scooping sessions should also be completed.

The LRT project is one of the 12 priority projects identified as the Central Visayas Development Projects, beneficiary of the re-alignment of the P932-million counterpart fund for the Cebu south coastal road project.

^{- PNA}