Archival wants to test BRT in actual operations

CEBU, Philippines —  With no definite date yet for Malacañang to formally hand over what has long been described as its “gift to the Cebuanos”—the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT), Mayor Nestor Archival wants the system tested locally ahead of time, to check its impact.

“Ang ako lang karon nga akong hangyuon si DOTr diri sa Cebu nga ato na lang ning e-suway sa dili pa muanhi ang Presidente para makahibalo gyud ta unsay real results,” Archival said, stressing that Cebu must see the system in actual operation rather than wait for a symbolic opening.

At present, the finished portion of the CBRT lane is still used as a regular road, with both public and private vehicles passing through.

Archival believes this situation highlights the urgency of moving toward actual bus operations. “Mao na’y akong gitan-aw nga sunod nato’ng buhaton,” he added.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has confirmed that Package 1 of the CBRT—covering the Cebu South Bus Terminal to Fuente Osmeña Circle—is now 97 percent complete.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that operations are targeted to begin in March 2026, with the remaining three percent focused on punch-listing and documentation to meet World Bank requirements.

“Once operational, you can be assured this will run smoothly,” Lopez said.

Archival acknowledged the DOTr’s timeline but emphasized the importance of coordination between Cebu and Manila.

“Ang importante ana nga nagkasabot ang DOTr dinhi ug ang DOTr didto sa Manila. Because ang schedule man gud, dili ‘ta makasugod kon dili mohatag og signal ang Manila,” he explained, stressing that local readiness must align with national directives.

The CBRT, first conceptualized in 2014 and funded by the World Bank, has faced repeated setbacks in procurement, land acquisition, and civil works.

 Inauguration ceremonies have been postponed several times following construction delays, presidential availability, and disaster-related timing conflicts.

After the latest postponement late last year, Archival himself admitted that the official launch may only take place after Sinulog 2026, reflecting the long wait for Cebu’s commuters.

Lopez underscored that Package 1 alone is expected to serve 34,000 passengers daily, a figure that highlights the project’s transformative potential. “The benefits of the CBRT will be felt not only in Cebu City but across the province,” he said.

Meanwhile, unresolved issues remain around the Capitol Station, which the World Bank insists must be built along the median to align with international BRT standards and heritage regulations.

DOTr Undersecretary Steve Pastor said the agency is coordinating with Governor Pamela Baricuatro and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to determine the appropriate approach. “We are prepared to implement whatever decision the provincial government makes,” Pastor noted.

The DOTr has also formally asked Cebu City Hall to approve a 2.7-kilometer CBRT loop inside the South Road Properties (SRP), designed to integrate bus infrastructure with pedestrian and road improvements in the fast-developing district.

Officials are also seeking approval to build additional stations at SRP before the World Bank loan expires in September 2026, stressing the urgency of securing funding and completing critical southern components.

Earlier, Cebu City Councilor Winston Pepito had appealed directly to Malacañang to elevate the CBRT as a national priority, citing its importance in addressing Cebu’s worsening traffic crisis.

With Package 1 nearly complete, the DOTr remains confident that operations can begin this March even without the Capitol Station.  (CEBU NEWS)