Package 1 received a budget of 1 billion dollars, while the Central Bank of Republic (CBRT) plans to conduct a pilot test in September.

Package 1 received a budget of 1 billion dollars, while the Central Bank of Republic (CBRT) plans to conduct a pilot test in September.

After more than a decade of delays, the long-awaited Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project is finally moving forward with a pilot run scheduled for the first week of September 2025. The initial phase, known as Package 1, is approximately 95% complete, excluding the Capitol Station whose design and location are still under discussion between local government units.

The pilot run will operate along a route including three main stations: Fuente Osmeña, Cebu South Bus Terminal, and Cebu Normal University. Initially, 20 buses under the CiBus fleet will offer free rides to commuters.

Package 1 spans from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to the Cebu Provincial Capitol, covering a distance of 2.38 kilometres. The project, which was initially targeted for late 2023 but was postponed to the first quarter of 2024, includes dedicated lanes, mixed-traffic lane asphalting, station construction, drainage improvements, street and perimeter lights, paver blocks on sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping, and a 1.15-kilometer urban realm enhancement.

Regarding the timeline for the rest of the project, Package 2A and 3A, which include 13 stations and 62 stops, are targeted for completion by the end of 2028. The World Bank has committed a $141 million loan to the project, but its funding commitment is set to expire in 2026.

The CBRT project is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s flagship initiative for improved public transportation in Cebu. The project, originally approved in 2014, experienced significant delays and officially broke ground in 2023.

Cibus, a modern, air-conditioned trunk bus service launched in March 2020 to improve Cebu City's public transport, will be the official bus provider for the CBRT project. The pilot testing of Package 1 is expected to last one to two months.

Package 2 and 3 of the CBRT project are still up for procurement. The completion of Package 1 was initially targeted for late 2023 but was postponed to the first quarter of 2024 due to various reasons, including political delays and slow pace in launching major civil works packages. The Department of Transportation has acknowledged these delays and is currently expediting construction to meet the new timelines.

In summary, the CBRT project is entering a critical test phase soon, marking a significant step after years of stalling. However, full operational completion will still require several more years to finish all phases.

The Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project, a crucial component of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s public transportation initiative, is anticipated to boost the local economy by improving transportation means and potentially attracting more investments in the industry and finance sectors. Once completed, the CBRT project will offer modern, air-conditioned buses, such as those under the CiBus fleet, catering to a more comfortable commute for residents and tourists. This project's progress further signals the government's commitment to finance and execute critical infrastructure projects.

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