CBRT Phase 1 route tested

CEBU, Philippines —  Subtle hitches, adjustments, and comparisons surfaced as the Cebu City government conducted a route inspection of Package 1 of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT), ahead of its pilot run, while appealing for public understanding on the traffic congestion caused along the mixed-traffic lanes.

The Cebu City government yesterday opened one of its route inspections to the media and conducted an actual simulation of operations from Fuente Station to the station at the South Bus Terminal.

The inspection was conducted together with members of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the CBRT management team led by Engineer Norvin Imbong, and other agencies.

Mayor Nestor Archival, who led the inspection, clarified that the dry run has to start later. This means that although the dedicated lanes are already being emphasized, the buses will not yet be picking up passengers.

Joining the mayor during the inspection was Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, widely known as the brain behind the BRT project in Cebu City.

The route that will be opened to the public runs from SM to Ayala and back, comprising Phase 1 of the project. Archival, however, admitted that this route is not part of the original plan for the CBRT and has since been revised. He added that due to the revision, they had to proceed first with conducting an inspection.

On traffic woes, city seeks understanding

Since the route inspections began this week, Archival acknowledged that they have triggered public complaints from commuters and motorists using the outer lanes. As observed, before the implementation of the route inspections and test runs, the dedicated (inner) BRT lanes were still accessible to vehicles.

Once the test runs begin, the dedicated lanes will be isolated, prohibiting other vehicles’ access, through the installation of bollards, separating them from the outer mixed-traffic lanes.

Archival said that, while the vision of the BRT is to provide “fast and convenient” public transportation, they recognize that the outer lanes are currently experiencing congestion. According to him, the main purpose of the test run is to identify issues and gather public feedback, particularly complaints.

Archival emphasized that the CBRT is a priority, as it is the first of its kind in the country, and that all eyes are on Cebu City on this.

“Ang ako lang hangyo sa mga lumulopyo sa Sugbo... is pailob lang gamay,” the mayor said, as he explained that any development or change disrupts existing behaviors, and he acknowledged that these changes may provoke varied reactions from the public.

During the test drive held as part of the route inspection, members of the media were invited to experience one round trip from Fuente Station to the South Bus Terminal. Based on the assessment, it only took around six minutes, with stopovers at Cebu Normal University Station and a few portions where the bus merged into the mixed-traffic lanes outside the BRT's dedicated lanes.

It was also noted that the traffic lights are still not digitally controlled—something that is expected to be fully operational to prioritize BRT buses and ensure uninterrupted travel.

Archival said one of the aspects they need to address is the override system for these traffic lights. Without stops, he estimated that the trip to the South Bus Terminal would take only four minutes.

According to Archival, the concept of the BRT is to encourage more passengers to commute with ease and efficiency. This, in turn, would reduce the number of people using private vehicles and potentially ease congestion in the mixed-traffic lanes.

“Ang concept sa BRT nga kadaghanan g’yud sa mga tawo musakay g’yud sa bus,” he said.

Archival again acknowledged the traffic congestion in the outer lanes, adding that this was already anticipated and is another reason to promote the use of CBRT buses. He said that next week, they will conduct more test runs, this time from Ayala to SM in Mabolo City.

The mayor admitted that many other aspects of the CBRT still need improvement.

Meanwhile, Joshua Rodriguez of the DOTr said the four-minute ride on the same stretch can still be shortened. He noted that the normal ride using mixed traffic took more than two hours and 30 minutes from Il Corso to IT Park. Using the CBRT route and bus, it only took one hour and 50 minutes—saving 30 to 40 minutes of travel time. “I would assume na meron pa tayong kailangan i-improve,” he said.

The multi-billion CBRT system is a project designed to provide mobility in Cebu. It encompasses 35.28 kilometers with 17 stations.

The Package 1 of CBRT project consists of the route from Osmena Boulevard to Cebu South Bus Terminal which is at 2.38 kilometers, otherwise labeled as “trunkline.” Package 2 North, spanning 10.8 kilometers, will cover the route of Escario, Capitol, and Gorordo Avenue. (CEBU NEWS)