Cebu finalizes bus stops for “Tabang Pangbyahe”

MANILA, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government has finalized the list of designated bus stops across key local government units (LGUs) as it prepares for the full rollout of the Tabang Pangbyahe Program, a flagship transport initiative expected to begin early July.

The program, which aims to overhaul the province’s public transport system through a performance-based service contracting scheme, is now in its implementation phase pending the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Yesterday, LGUs consolidation of bus stops began as it is considered a crucial step in ensuring the system’s readiness, particularly in establishing fixed and regulated boarding and drop-off points across Cebu’s major urban and suburban corridors.

Under the proposed scheme, Cebu City will have 22 designated bus stops, Mandaue City with 25, Consolacion with 12, Liloan with 28, Compostela with 16, and Danao City with 29 stops.

In the southern stretch, Talisay City is allocated with 10 stops, Minglanilla 8, Naga City 16, San Fernando 20, Carcar City 26, and Sibonga 18.

Elizar Sabinay, Executive Assistant V of the Provincial Planning and Development Office and Investment Promotions, said the project is expected to start “this month or early July,” pending final requirements and the MOA signing.

“The project is the first local government-led, funded, and operated service contracting program for reliable and quality public transport services,” Sabinay said during a consultation meeting with local officials and stakeholders.

He added that once implemented, the program will be managed by the Cebu Provincial Government, with the LTFRB retaining its role in franchising and regulatory permits.

Sabinay explained that transport operators will be required to comply with performance standards set by the province to qualify for subsidies.

The subsidy will be performance-based and computed per kilometer traveled, intended to offset revenue losses under the new system.

According to project briefings, the estimated subsidy ranges from P54 to P60 per kilometer, depending on final evaluation and compliance.

Sabinay said the system replaces the traditional boundary-based arrangement with a service contracting model that prioritizes commuter experience.

“There will be subsidies provided to transport workers, and it is computed on a per-kilometer basis,” he said.

Under the system, buses will strictly observe designated stops, with a maximum dwell time of one minute per stop, and no standing passengers allowed during peak travel.

The change is intended to reduce congestion and improve travel time consistency across major routes.

Sabinay said the program seeks to address long waiting times, particularly during peak hours where dispatching can currently take 15 to 20 minutes.

He added that a Cebu-to-Cebu South Bus Terminal route, spanning approximately 47 kilometers, is expected to be completed in about two hours and 30 minutes under the new system.

The provincial government also emphasized that the program is not a free ride initiative, but a subsidized transport system aimed at improving efficiency and reliability.

It was disclosed during the meeting that the program will incorporate an AI-based mobility monitoring system developed under the Department of Science and Technology’s Balik Scientist Program.

The system, will analyze traffic flow, passenger volume, and route efficiency using camera and GPS data.

“Using a camera, it will detect how many cars travel, how many people travel, and whether a bus stop is needed,” Sabinay said.

The technology is expected to serve as an evaluation tool for the program’s effectiveness and may support future infrastructure planning.

Sabinay said Cebu has been identified as a pilot area for the technology outside Metro Manila, following partnerships with select LGUs in the capital region.

Once the MOA is signed, implementation is expected to beginimmediately, with initial funding support from the DOTr amounting to P20 million for the pilot phase.

The program marks Cebu’s first provincial government-led public transport initiative of its kind, designed to improve commuter experience through regulated operations, data-driven monitoring, and performance-based incentives. (CEBU NEWS)