Cebu Bus Rapid Transit to do pilot run in September

CEBU -- The stalled Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is finally set to operate its first phase on a pilot run in September, according to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

Dizon met with Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on Wednesday to discuss the progress of the project.  Cebu BRT proponent, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, also joined the meeting.

“It is a major, major milestone after 13 long years,” said Dizon.

The pilot test will deploy about 20 buses along the dedicated BRT lane from Cebu IT Park in Barangay Apas to SM Seaside in Barangay Mambaling. Passengers will alight at three stations, which are already 95 percent complete: Fuente, CNU, and the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Dizon said they are looking to give free rides to the public during the test run.

“Either partial subsidy or a full subsidy, I think we can find away. Para ma-enjoy naman dahil ang tagal nang hinihintay,” said Dizon.

BUS PROCUREMENT AND PPP

During the pilot run, bus operator CBUS will provide the vehicles. However, during the full implementation, a new supplier will be sought along with the procurement of new buses.

Buses should be uniform throughout the project so that they adhere to the dimensions of the stations.

“It uses urban design and planning,” added Osmeña.

The project will also be a Public-Private Partnership.

“PPP is the way to go. The best way is to involve the private sector,” Dizon explained.

Osmeña said that other BRT projects, such as the one in Curitiba, Brazil, are following the same model.

“It’s just that the collection of the fare is done by the government,” said Osmeña.

STATION INSPECTIONS

Dizon went around the Fuente Station to conduct his own inspection in preparation for the pilot run.

“It is my first time to see the station. It is a beautiful station,” he commented.

Governor Baricuatro said she has no objections to the project. 

“My goal is to be collaborative, to promote the general welfare of the Province of Cebu,” said Baricuatro.

Around P984 million was already spent on the BRT. It was conceptualized in 2010 with a completed feasibility study in 2012 and was approved by the Department of Development (formerly NEDA) in 2014.

The formal groundbreaking was done in 2023.

“Masyado nang matagal at masyado nang malaki ang na gastos so the people of Cebu should finally benefit from this,” Dizon further said.

Phases 2 and 3 will be completed by 2027 or early 2028, Dizon said.