Capitol opens Tabang Pambyahe project to help bus operations

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano commuters across the province may soon experience faster, more reliable, and more comfortable travel as the Cebu Provincial Government prepares to roll out the “Tabang Pambyahe Project,” a service contracting program designed to improve public transportation.

The initiative, backed by a P20-million subsidy from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), is expected to be implemented as early as the second week of April, pending the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA).

This program by the administration of Governor Pamela Baricuatro, bus operations will be subsidized by the provincial government, allowing operators to run regular trips without relying solely on passenger fares.

In an interview with Elizar Sabinay, Executive Assistant V assigned to Provincial Planning and Development Office and Investment Promotions, the system aims to address a long-standing issue in public transport—uncertainty of service, rather than just the cost of fares.

“The problem with public transportation is not because it’s costly, it’s because it’s uncertain,” said Sabinay. "The goal is not really to provide free service. No, it's not. But it's to make sure there is certainty of service," he added.

With the program in place, commuters are assured that buses will arrive at designated stops at least every 15 minutes, reducing long waiting times.

The fixed schedule is also expected to ease overcrowding and eliminate long queues, particularly in high-demand areas such as Cebu IT Park.

Passengers will also no longer be allowed to stand inside running buses, a move aimed at improving both safety and comfort.

SUBSIDY FOR TRANSPORT WORKERS

Despite being government-funded, Sabinay clarified that the program is not intended to provide free rides. Instead, subsidies will be given to transport operators to offset rising fuel costs and operational expenses.

At present, operators face increasing fuel prices, with daily fuel expenses for modern jeepneys reaching up to P3,500 to P4,000, making current fare adjustments insufficient.

The subsidy will be computed based on distance traveled, with an estimated rate of P54 per kilometer, subject to adjustments.

Operators will continue collecting fares, but the subsidy will supplement their income, especially since buses are required to operate even when not full.

The program introduces a shift from the traditional boundary system to a performance-based transport model. Under the boundary system, drivers are required to meet daily quotas, often leading to overcrowding and delayed departures while waiting for more passengers.

With Tabang Pambyahe, operators must comply with strict performance criteria to qualify for subsidies. These include maintaining a 15-minute interval between trips and limiting loading and unloading time to a maximum of two minutes per stop. Failure to meet these standards may result in removal from the program.

Pilot routes

Initial implementation will cover two major routes connecting key areas in Metro Cebu.

In the south, buses will operate from Sibonga to the Cebu South Bus Terminal, linking to the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

In the north, the route will run from Danao City to Cebu IT Park, catering to workers and students who commute daily.

He noted that many employees working in IT Park reside outside Cebu City, making reliable transportation critical, especially for night shifts.

The project will also complement the ongoing Bus Rapid Transit(BRT)system, which runs from Il Corso to IT Park.

By aligning routes, the program aims to provide seamless transfers for commuters traveling within Metro Cebu.

Passengers will be required to board and alight only at designated bus stops, which will be identified in coordination with local government units.

The number of stops per locality will depend on commuter demand and data gathered from surveys.

A survey conducted in November 2025 revealed significant gaps in transportation services, particularly at night.

In Cebu IT Park, for instance, public transport availability drops after 9 p.m., despite the start of graveyard shifts at 10 p.m.

"We did a survey last November. The IT Park alone, the survey in the IT Park before in Cebu IT Park ends at 9 p.m. Please note, graveyard shift starts at 10 p.m unya wala sila’y masakyan," Sabinay explained.

The program seeks to extend service hours up to midnight to accommodate workers during these periods.

Sabinay noted the lack of reliable transport has been a major concern for commuters, especially during bad weather when fewer vehicles are available. "So, that's what Governor Pam wants. Governor Pam has an end-user perspective," he shared.

MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION

Unlike previous service contracting programs handled by national agencies, Tabang Pambyahe will be managed directly by the Cebu Provincial Government.

Authorities will monitor compliance through GPS tracking and onboard cameras installed in buses. These systems will allow real-time tracking of routes and ensure that safety standards, such as the no-standing policy, are enforced.

Operators who fail to meet the program’s requirements risk having their contracts terminated. The program will initially focus on Metro Cebu but may expand to other areas if proven successful.

Future phases may include routes in island municipalities such as Bantayan and Camotes, where public transportation remains limited.

The DOTr, in a letter dated March 12, 2026, confirmed the approval of the P20-million budget for the project.

Signed by DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez expressed support for the province’s efforts to enhance passenger mobility and create a more responsive public transport system.

“This initiative will further enhance passenger mobility and optimize public transport services,” reads a portion in the document. (CEBU NEWS)