Archival: CBRT route expanded, not altered

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival maintained that the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project has not deviated from its original alignment, stressing that what critics describe as a change is in fact an expansion.

His statement comes amid renewed criticism from Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña and lingering concerns over the project’s financing, following the cancellation of a significant portion of funding from the World Bank due to delays.

Osmeña, who championed the CBRT during his administration, earlier accused the current implementation of straying from its intended purpose. Archival, however, said he agrees with Osmeña’s call to preserve the original route.

“Sakto na. I agree with him because during the time sa pagsugod ni Tommy, akoy nag sponsor ana,” Archival said in a recent press conference, emphasizing that commuters from Bulacao and Talamban—many of whom leave home before dawn—must remain the priority. In 2023, the corridor was extended to 35 kilometers with the addition of a link to Talisay City.

“The original plan is still there. Kung imong tan-awn, walay nausab… naa lay na-add,” Archival said.

He noted that the CBRT backbone—from Bulacao through N. Bacalso Avenue, into the South Road Properties (SRP), then back to Jones Avenue, Capitol, Escario, Ayala, and up to Talamban—was originally approved at 22.9 kilometers by the National Economic and Development Authority, now reorganized as the Department of Economy, Planning and Development.

Archival explained that initial implementation focused on the SRP corridor due to fewer right-of-way constraints.

“That’s why adto gyud sila magsugod sa less resistance,” he said, refuting claims that the project had veered off course.

The CBRT is being implemented by the Department of Transportation in three major construction packages. Package 1, covering the SRP corridor and depot construction, was prioritized due to minimal land acquisition issues, while Package 2 covers Talamban and Package 3 includes Bulacao and Talisay.

The project was originally backed by a $141-million financing package from the World Bank, including a $116-million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and $25 million from the Clean Technology Fund.

The Public-Private Partnership Center has described the CBRT as a “game-changer” for Cebu’s urban mobility, though it acknowledged that political delays and financing challenges have slowed its rollout.

Archival also cited current CBRT lane operations, which now allow public utility vehicles (PUVs) to share designated lanes with buses—a measure approved by the Department of Transportation to help ease fuel costs.

“Nigawas nga nindot kaayo ang epekto… ni gamay o ninaog ang traffic problem,” he said, adding that discipline among commuters improved as boarding and alighting were confined to designated stations.

However, enforcement remains strict, with private motorists continuing to be apprehended for unauthorized use of CBRT lanes.

“Daghan nag nadakpan… daghan nag niari sa opisa nangayog pasaylo,” Archival said.

While construction of other project packages continues, Archival said the city is exploring further studies to dedicate additional lanes for public utility vehicles in Bulacao and Talamban, reinforcing the CBRT’s role as Cebu’s transport backbone.

“Nindot man ta gani, sa ako lang ning huna-huna… I’ll find a way nga nay maka study ani nga katong padong sa Talamban for now and katong padong sa Bulacao, it might be makahimo tag usa ka lane para sa public utility… why not?... diba?” he said. — /FPL (FREEMAN)