New Face of Cebu
Cebu BRT Pilot Operation Set for September 2025
After more than a decade of delays, the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project is finally set to begin pilot operations this September 2025. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon announced that the initial run will cover three key stations: Fuente Osmeña, Cebu Normal University, and the Cebu South Bus Terminal. This pilot phase is expected to serve around 70,000 commuters daily, signaling a significant step forward in the long-awaited mass transport system in Cebu City.
The pilot run will operate along a 13-kilometer stretch that forms part of Phase 1, specifically Package 1 of the project, connecting the South Road Properties (SRP) area to the IT Park. The route includes core stations along Osmeña Boulevard and Natalio Bacalso Avenue, two of the city’s busiest corridors. Following this phase, the DOTr plans to begin construction of the Capitol station and proceed with Phases 2A and 3A, which will add 13 more stations and 62 feeder stops. These phases are scheduled for completion before the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term in 2028.
The Cebu BRT project, first proposed in 2012, faced numerous setbacks, including road right-of-way issues, contractor delays, and debates over urban design. After years of revisions and feasibility studies, groundbreaking took place in early 2023. The system is envisioned to reduce traffic congestion and provide faster, more efficient public transportation for Cebu’s growing population. The core system spans 13.18 kilometers and will be complemented by a 22.1-kilometer feeder network that links major areas of the city, with future plans to expand to nearby cities such as Talisay and Mandaue, and potentially even connect to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
However, the project is not without ongoing challenges. Secretary Dizon expressed concerns over construction delays, particularly with Package 1. The DOTr is considering partial operations before the official pilot launch to demonstrate progress and begin familiarizing commuters with the system. The contractor, Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Group Ltd., may face sanctions, including blacklisting, for not meeting deadlines. Additionally, the World Bank, one of the project’s main funders, has flagged the current progress as "unsatisfactory," noting that the project's loan may expire by 2026 if milestones are not met.
Despite these hurdles, the pilot operation represents a pivotal moment for urban mobility in Cebu. Officials are optimistic that this step will improve travel time, reduce congestion, and eventually transform how Cebuanos move around the metro. The DOTr is also exploring the possibility of free rides or subsidized fares during the early phases to encourage adoption and gather feedback from the public. As the city braces for the pilot run this September, all eyes are on whether the Cebu BRT can finally deliver the promise of a reliable, modern, and efficient mass transport system.