Cebu City plans to trial CBRT routes around mid-September
Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) Gears Up for Dry Run
The Cebu City Government has announced that the long-awaited dry run for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project will commence on Sept. 15, 2025. This test run of the transport system is a crucial step towards its full operationalisation.
The proposed route for the CBRT trial run spans from Cebu IT Park and Cebu Business Park, passing through Fuente Osmenña Circle and Cebu Normal University, before reaching the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) on Natalio Bacalso Ave. The trial run will also utilise the new dedicated bus lanes along Osmenña Blvd.
In contrast to the initial plans, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has proposed a longer route for the trial run, extending it to SM Seaside City Cebu. The modern and air-conditioned buses to be deployed for the dry run will be provided by the Cebu Interim Bus Service (Cibus).
The dry run aims to test the new dedicated bus lanes and stations for the CBRT, as well as observe passenger boarding, alighting, and movement through stations. Authorities will also monitor how buses and private vehicles interact at intersections during the dry run.
It's worth noting that only the first 2.38-kilometer package of the CBRT will be tested during the dry run, not the full 13-kilometer corridor. The CBRT project, which was launched in 2014, has faced several setbacks, including a suspension in 2024 due to concerns over heritage protection.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is responsible for implementing the CBRT project, with the long-term goal of creating a modern transport network that eases congestion, cuts emissions, and supports Cebu's urban growth.
During the dry run, new stops along the route will be checked for electricity, lighting, and staff readiness. However, the automated smart card system for the fare system is not yet ready.
Despite the progress, there is no information available about the identified person or organisation responsible for the full operation of the CBRT project in Cebu. The full operations of the CBRT are targeted to start by 2026 or later.
This dry run marks a significant step forward for the CBRT project, bringing Cebu one step closer to a modern, efficient, and environmentally-friendly transport system.
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