A “game-changer” after 13 years: BRT set for pilot run

CEBU, Philippines — After more than a decade of planning and political delays, the long-awaited Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project is finally rolling forward, starting with a pilot run in the first week of September 2025.

The test phase will span three major stations along the SM Seaside–IT Park route, ushering in a new era in Cebu’s urban mobility.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon confirmed the milestone during a site inspection on July 23 and in meetings with Cebu Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, and other stakeholders.

“This project is very, very important to the President,” Dizon said, referencing President Ferdinand arcos Jr.'s directive to fast-track the implementation. “It’s already been 13 years. Now is the time.”

Phase 1 of the P17-billion CBRT is reportedly 95 percent complete, excluding the Capitol Station, whose final location and design remain under discussion between the provincial and city governments.

The pilot run will use 20 CIBUS units to offer free rides along a test route that includes Fuente Osmeña, Cebu South Bus Terminal, and Cebu Normal University.

Despite unfinished works at the Capitol median strip, where heritage concerns and a provincial resolution restrict construction, Dizon said that operations would proceed using dedicated lanes already in place.

“Without the Capitol station, essentially tapos na ito,” he assured, backing Vice Mayor Osmeña's suggestion to launch testing even while negotiations continue.

The pilot run may last one or two months, with fare subsidies under consideration following requests from Baricuatro and Archival.

“We’ll try our best to do that,” Dizon said. “The important thing is that people can start experiencing it.”

Concerns and cooperation

Mayor Archival raised concerns from existing bus operators fearing displacement once the CBRT goes live.

Dizon clarified that CIBUS is only an interim operator, and a formal bidding will later determine a permanent provider, with eligibility open to current Cebu transport groups.

“This is a national project, not a provincial one. The goal is to be cooperative and collaborative,” Baricuatro emphasized, expressing support for the CBRT's rollout.

She added that the proposed neocolonial design of the Capitol Station, if adopted, would harmonize with the architectural identity of the Capitol building.

From vision to reality

The CBRT’s concept was born in the 1990s through then-Mayor Tomas Osmeña, inspired by Brazil’s Curitiba BRT system. Formal planning began in 2010, with a feasibility study completed in 2012 via support from the World Bank, the Clean Technology Fund, and the French Development Agency.

Originally pegged at P10.6 billion, the project received approval in 2014 for a 23-kilometer corridor from Bulacao to Talamban. But right-of-way issues and political resistance led to redesigns and delays, including a 2016 proposal to replace the project with an LRT system.

NEDA reaffirmed its feasibility in 2018, and by 2019, the CBRT was restructured into three phases. The first focused on a 2.38-kilometer stretch connecting the Cebu South Bus Terminal to the Provincial Capitol via Osmeña Boulevard.

The CBRT officially broke ground on February 27, 2023, led by President Marcos. Though initial targets aimed for partial operations in 2024 and full service by 2025, delays—including procurement hurdles and concerns near heritage zones—prompted an updated cost of P28.78 billion and a new completion timeline ending in 2027.

Next steps: PPP and full rollout

With World Bank support set to end in August, Dizon stressed the importance of transitioning to a public-private partnership (PPP) for long-term sustainability and automation.

“Before the end of the President’s term, meron nang on-board na PPP operator to ensure na tuloy-tuloy na ito,” Dizon said, committing to full rollout of Phases 2A and 3A by 2028.

“This is a game-changer for commuters,” he added. “If we get this done, Cebuanos will save a lot of time. And that’s our goal.” — /LPM (FREEMAN)