Cebu rapid transport system starts partial operation

MANILA, Philippines — The Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) yesterday started operation, although only partially, with at least 17 CeBus units plying the Il Corso-IT Park route through dedicated lanes along Osmeña Boulevard.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, during a visit to Cebu last month, confirmed that Package 1 of the project was ready for rollout this March, although Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival expressed uncertainty over the launch date.

Archival said this week that the city government had not received any notice (to launch) from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which wanted President Marcos to attend the rollout.

However, Archival expressed support for a partial rollout ahead of a formal ceremony, saying Cebu needed to see the system in action.

The rollout used Package 1’s completed median lanes along N. Bacalso Avenue and Osmeña Boulevard, which will be closed to general traffic.

Only CeBus units are allowed to traverse the corridor, with bollards reinstalled to separate them from the traffic.

After passing the Cebu South Bus Terminal, buses will rejoin mixed traffic toward South Road Properties, SM Seaside and Il Curso.