Cebuanos Turn To Ferry Boats To Bypass Mandaue-Mactan Bridge Traffic

Cebuanos are turning to ferry boats plying between Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City to beat the “horrendous” traffic at the two bridges linking the Cebu mainland and Mactan Island.

The first bridge is undergoing repairs at a cost of Php 129 million.

At least eight ferry boats are operating out of Pier 3 in Cebu City and the Muelle Osmena in Lapu-Lapu City.

The ferry boat ride only takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, who experienced the traffic in going to Lapu-Lapu City, said it took them four hours to reach the airport from Cebu City on Tuesday while accompanying one of his children.

The trip usually takes him less than a hour, he said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 said some 40,992 vehicles cross the first Mandaue-Mactan bridge daily, while some 43,691 vehicles use the Marcelo Fernan Bridge daily.

Transport officials said they were arranging for more ferry boats and barges to connect Cebu City and Mandaue City in the mainland and Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island.

Cebu Port Authority (CPA) General Manager Edmund Tan said Lite Shipping would provide two LCT barges to connect Ouano Wharf in Looc, Mandaue City and Kasamahan Wharf near General Milling Corp. in Lapu-Lapu City.

Gothong will also provide LCTS but their area of operations is still to be determined. Ouano Wharf near the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge can only accommodate two LCTS.

“We are also contacting Metro Ferry to add more vessels to ply between Pier 3 and Anton’s/Marina Yacht Club for this,” Tan said.(PNA) RMA/EB/EDS