Transport officials in Cebu City, in coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), identify and address potential issues in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes before the dry run commences.
Cebu City is getting closer to the implementation of its much-anticipated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, with a final route inspection taking place on September 19, 2025. The inspection was conducted by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Vice Mayor Tommy Osmenña, and officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), including Mark J. Abulencia, Engr. Diosdado "Jorge" R. Bufete Jr., and Dir. Dante V. Durano.
The BRT project, known as the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT), aims to revolutionise public transportation in the city. A trial run from Fuente Osmenña to the South Bus Terminal, including station stops, takes six minutes. With no stops at Abellana Station, the journey can be as quick as four minutes.
During the three-day inspection, various issues were identified, and discussions were held to find solutions. One of the most pressing concerns raised by Inspector Joshua Rodrigues from the DOTr was intersection management. Rodrigues suggested deploying additional enforcers to manage traffic lights during the dry run of the CBRT project.
Archival expressed concern about the lack of clear signage and wants them installed before September 29, the scheduled date for the official dry run. He also highlighted gaps in road signage, traffic merging, and station management as areas for improvement.
The CBRT buses are equipped with air conditioning, CCTVs, and dash cams to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. Each bus unit can seat 40 passengers and accommodate up to 80-90 commuters during peak hours with standing room. The base fare for the CBRT project is expected to be P15, with an additional P2.65 per kilometer.
Once the dry run begins, buses will officially start picking up passengers. The CBRT project's official dry run is scheduled for September 29, 2025. Until then, the lanes will remain open to regular motorists.
The Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) will be implemented once the CBRT becomes operational. This plan aims to reorganise and redistribute public utility routes, helping to decongest city roads by providing alternative routes. The LPTRP has been approved by the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and is now awaiting the final public hearing at the Cebu City Council before full implementation.
Package 1 of the CBRT project, including the Fuente Station, is already complete. The CBRT project is designed to operate from SM Seaside through the South Road Properties (SRP) to Ayala Center and back. The buses for the CBRT project are scheduled to run daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Mayor Archival expressed optimism that if the CBRT project is successful, it could serve as proof of concept that the system is indeed beneficial. He will sit down again with the DOTr to come up with solutions to the problems discovered during the three-day route inspection. Improved communication with motorists and better traffic management are key to minimising congestion, especially during the initial phases of the CBRT project.
As the CBRT project moves closer to full implementation, the city of Cebu is excited about the prospect of a more efficient and comfortable public transportation system.
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