Archival pushes motorcyle lane

CEBU, Philippines — Mayor Nestor Archival has directed the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) to fast-track the establishment of a five-kilometer dedicated motorcycle lane along the Banilad-Talamban (BanTal) Road, describing the project as a key component of his administration’s efforts to improve traffic flow and enhance road safety in one of Cebu City’s busiest corridors.

Archival met with CCTO officials led by Atty. Kent Francesco Jongoy, assistant department head and legal officer, late last week to finalize plans for the project, which forms part of a broader traffic management overhaul in the city’s north district.

“We met with the CCTO traffic engineering team to discuss key road safety and traffic management initiatives aimed at improving mobility in Cebu City,” Archival said in a statement.

He added that the motorcycle lane, together with other traffic measures, is intended to “provide a safer and more efficient transport system for all Sugboanons.”

The dedicated lane will span the length of Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, a major thoroughfare long plagued by heavy congestion and the frequent weaving of motorcycles through traffic.

According to Archival, the project aims to reduce road accidents while improving the steady flow of vehicles along the corridor. Supporting initiatives include the installation of five new traffic signals at major intersections. Jongoy said the traffic signal project is already 90 percent complete.

The city also plans to fully implement Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) lay-bys in strategic areas to discourage jeepneys and buses from stopping indiscriminately along the road.

The BanTal corridor has long been identified as one of Cebu City's major traffic bottlenecks.

Early in Archival’s administration, the CCTO introduced the “discipline zone” concept in the area, which imposed restrictions on delivery trucks during peak hours, enforced motorcycle lane regulations, and strengthened compliance with traffic signs and road markings.

The mayor also advocated the use of modern traffic enforcement tools, including breath analyzers to curb drunk driving, while initiating consultations with transport stakeholders regarding plate distribution and the adoption of electric vehicles.

Although these measures drew mixed reactions from the public, they underscored the administration’s strategy of combining infrastructure improvements with stricter road discipline.

Archival acknowledged that enforcement remains the greatest challenge in implementing traffic reforms.

“Effective traffic enforcement cannot be fully realized without the support and cooperation of everyone,” he said, urging motorists to comply with traffic regulations.

The CCTO echoed the mayor’s appeal, stressing that adherence to traffic rules will be crucial to the success of the initiative.

Residents and commuters have expressed cautious optimism over the plan. While many welcome the prospect of smoother traffic flow and safer motorcycle travel, others remain skeptical about the consistency of enforcement.

Archival assured the public that the city government would continue consulting stakeholders and making adjustments based on feedback.

“We are open to suggestions. This is about building a system that works for everyone,” he said.

Jongoy explained that the motorcycle lane will cover the entire stretch of Gov. Cuenco Avenue, beginning at the Pope John Paul II Avenue intersection near the flyover and extending to the Canduman junction leading to Ateneo de Cebu.

“Diha atong butangan, both sides ha, ug motorcycle lane, that’s in between your right most lanes para gyud nga dili na maglabang labang ang motor diha,” he said.

On average, the CCTO apprehends at least 20 motorists daily for counter-flowing violations involving motorcycles.

“We are now giving them a space for their own,” Jongoy added.

The dedicated motorcycle lane along BanTal Road is expected to be rolled out in phases, with its long-term success largely dependent on effective enforcement and public cooperation.

For Archival, the initiative goes beyond addressing present-day traffic problems and serves as part of a broader vision of building a more disciplined, sustainable, and livable Cebu City.--/FPL