After years of waiting, countless debates, and more than a few roadblocks, Cebu is finally about to see its first taste of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system.
Starting September 17 to 25, 2025, the CBRT will conduct a test run of its initial phase, with buses ferrying passengers from Ayala Center Cebu to Il Corso at the South Road Properties (SRP).
The dry run is designed to check operations, gather feedback, and spot problem areas before national officials get a first-hand look at the system on September 25.
A Long Time Coming
The CBRT has been in the works since the 1990s but has faced decades of delay due to political changes, property disputes, and heritage concerns. Now, Cebu City is finally seeing movement.
Mayor Nestor Archival underscored the importance of pushing forward, calling the CBRT a “major infrastructure investment backed by extensive studies.”
He also admitted that public perception could make or break the project. Negative feedback, he warned, could affect funding for future stages, even if initial support is already secured.
What to Expect
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is leading the project, with Cebu Interim Bus Service (Cibus) of Ceres Bus supplying the units.
• 10 buses will start rolling out on September 15, with 17 units prepared in total.
• The route: Ayala Center Cebu – SRP (Il Corso).
• Traffic personnel from the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) will be deployed to help manage congestion during the run.
Cibus isn’t a stranger to Cebu commuters, it has been serving routes since 2020 to help locals get used to the system.
What’s Next for Cebu?
If successful, the CBRT could give Cebu a modern, sustainable alternative to daily traffic woes. The full system will stretch 13 kilometers, with 17 stations, a depot, and a terminal connecting major roads from SRP to Ayala Center Cebu. Completion is targeted by 2026.
Still, officials admit the shift won’t be painless. Private vehicles might experience added congestion at first. But the long-term payoff, they argue, is worth it.
Mayor Archival appealed to residents to “give the project a chance”, reminding Cebuanos that meaningful change always comes with adjustments.
Why This Matters
Cebu’s roads are bursting at the seams, with traffic only getting worse each year. The CBRT could finally give commuters a faster, more organized, and more sustainable option. But for it to succeed, it needs not just buses and stations, it needs Cebuanos’ trust and support.
As the city counts down to September 17, all eyes will be on the buses gliding through Cebu’s streets. After decades of waiting, could this be the first step toward a traffic solution that actually works?
What do you think, Sugboanons? Will you be hopping on the CBRT once it officially launches?
