Image from http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/374674/news/metromanila/slideshow-mayhem-and-panic-at-the-mrt-crash-scene

The MRT-3 operational problem has been in the news for quite some time now, what with the daily technical problems and glitches the train has been experiencing for the past several months.

These woes seem to have culminated in the derailment accident at the Taft Avenue station last August 13 that injured dozens and destroyed property.

Image from http://www.mb.com.ph/malacanang-apologizes-to-mrt-commuters/

But despite that, marami pa ring sumasakay sa MRT because they have no other choice.

“Ito na kasi talaga yung pinakamabilis,” said one commuter.

“Kahit ano namang sakyan may risk ng aksidente. At least dito walang holdap,” another passenger quipped.

Dahil sa sunud-sunod na aberyang ito, the public, especially netizens, has challenged government officials to see (and try) for themselves the sorry state of Metro Manila’s mass transit system, the lifeline of the public transportation-riding working class who pass through EDSA everyday.

Gumulong din ang imbestigasyon ng Senate tungkol sa aksidente at sa mga problema ng MRT-3.

Pero ang main concern pa rin ng publiko ay kung paano ma-i-improve ang serbisyo at operasyon ng MRT at hindi kung sino ang dapat sisihin o kasuhan sa mga problema nito.  

While the MRT problem is still being resolved, the DOTC is now looking at other mass transportation systems that will deliver a fast, convenient, and cost-effective option for commuters.

One of these is the Bus Rapid System (BRT) na target itayo sa Metro Manila at iba pang probinsya.

Image (BRT Brazil) from http://www.busandcoach.travel/en/latest_news/bus_rapid_transit_comes_to_washington_dc.htm

According to Abaya, “BRT systems around the world have been successful in mobilizing masses for people in dense urban settings, getting them to their destinations through reliable fixed schedules:

• efficiently through segregated lanes and priority passage;
• comfortably and safely through modern, well-equipped buses; and
• affordably through relatively lower capital costs and maintenance expenditures.”

Kasimbilis din ng mga rail system pero mas mura at mas mabilis itayo at i-develop ang mga BRT, ayon sa DOTC.

Nagsimula ang BRT concept sa Brazil nung 1974 pero ginagamit na ang sistema sa maraming bansa ngayon.

Kabilang sa mga key features ng BRT ang:

1. pagkakaroon ng modern buses na sukat at ginawa para sa BRT system lang

2. pag-designate ng hiwalay na lane o busway (sa Jakarta halimbawa, may divider ang daan para rito) para hindi makasama sa regular vehicular traffic

3. paglalagay ng BRT stations sa mga convenient at populated areas

4. paggamit ng modern transport or signalling systems para hindi maapektuhan ng mga aberya o traffic ang bus system

Just this August, inaprubahan na ng Department of Budget and Management ang funding strategy para sa BRT sa Cebu, na inaasahang matapos by 2018.

Samantala, pino-propose naman ng DOTC ang Quezon Circle-Manila City Hall bus route at iba pang ruta ng BRT para sa Metro Manila.