Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has officially announced that Package 1 of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project is scheduled to commence operations in March 2026. This significant update was delivered during the Usapang Budget 2026 Forum held on Friday, February 20, 2026, marking a major milestone for the long-awaited public transportation initiative in Cebu.
Project Details and Current Status
Secretary Lopez revealed that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is currently finalizing the remaining components of Package 1, which encompasses the bus route stretching from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to the Fuente Osmeña Circle. Once operational, this route is projected to serve an impressive capacity of up to 34,000 passengers each day, providing a substantial boost to the city's transit infrastructure.
The CBRT project, which has received crucial support from the World Bank, has already achieved a remarkable 97 percent completion rate. The remaining 3 percent primarily involves punch listing tasks and documentation requirements related to funding from international organizations. To ensure a smooth public launch, Lopez confirmed that the agency will conduct comprehensive dry runs aimed at minimizing potential operational issues.
Historical Context and Challenges
During his address, Lopez reflected on the project's extensive preparation period, which spans over a decade since its initial conceptualization in 2014. This timeline included numerous consultations and technical studies to refine the plan. He acknowledged that the primary challenges have centered around project implementation hurdles, despite the progress made.
Notably, the World Bank loan allocated for the CBRT is set to conclude in September 2026. In light of this deadline, Lopez indicated that the government is actively exploring a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the subsequent phases of the project, particularly focusing on operation and maintenance. He emphasized that any PPP component will undergo rigorous market sounding and competitive bidding processes to uphold transparency and accountability.
Capitol Station Coordination
Regarding the proposed Capitol Station near the Cebu Provincial Capitol, Undersecretary Steve Pastor provided an update, noting that coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is ongoing. This is due to provincial resolutions that impact the construction plans for the site.
Pastar clarified that completing the Capitol Station is not a prerequisite for achieving the targeted March 2026 operational date for Package 1. The initial phase is designed to function independently along its 16-kilometer route, ensuring that the launch remains on schedule despite any unresolved station details.
This announcement underscores the government's commitment to enhancing urban mobility in Cebu, with the CBRT poised to transform daily commutes and alleviate traffic congestion in the region.
