Cebu BRT Test Ride: A Swift Yet Flawed Journey Through the City
On a recent Friday afternoon, I embarked on a test ride of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT), boarding at the Cebu South Bus Terminal station and traveling to Fuente Osmeña. The experience offered a glimpse into the future of public transportation in Cebu, revealing both promising efficiency and notable operational shortcomings.
Waiting and Boarding: Initial Frustrations
The wait for the bus was longer than expected, testing my patience under the midday sun. Upon arrival, I noticed the metal seating was uncomfortably hot, as the leaf-like canopy provided minimal shade for standing areas. The plastic seats, though shiny, were dirty and seemed to absorb the heat easily, making for an unpleasant start.
A civilian employee stationed by the city was present but appeared uninformed about the CBRT project. When I inquired, they had little knowledge to share, highlighting a gap in public awareness and training. This lack of information was a recurring theme throughout my journey.
The Ride: Efficiency Amidst Confusion
Once the Ceres-operated bus arrived, boarding was quick and effortless, with no other passengers waiting. Inside, the air-conditioned bus accommodated about 10 passengers, creating a comfortable environment. I started my stopwatch to time the trip.
The ride itself was impressively smooth and efficient. We made a brief stop at the station near Cebu Normal University, where a student disembarked, and the bus promptly resumed its route without delay. This demonstrated the potential for rapid transit in reducing travel time across the city.
Fare Confusion and Operational Details
Approaching the conductor, I was informed the fare was 15 pesos. However, I mentioned news reports stating the CBRT would be free for one year. The conductor clarified that the free fare policy only applies during specific hours: 5 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM. Resigned, I paid without further argument and received a ticket.
Arriving at Fuente Osmeña, my stopwatch recorded the entire journey at 6 minutes and 17 seconds—a testament to the system's speed. Yet, upon disembarking, I encountered another city employee who was equally uninformed about the project, underscoring ongoing communication issues.
Overall Assessment and Historical Context
Despite the hiccups, my overall judgment is positive: the CBRT is comfortable, affordable, and fast. Having ridden BRT systems in other countries, I find this one comparable in quality, marking a significant step forward for Cebu.
The CBRT is the first of its kind in the Philippines, originally championed by former mayor Tomas Osmeña and inspired by systems in Curitiba, Brazil. Initially designed to run from Bulacao to Talamban, the project faced delays and modifications, eventually being scaled back under the Duterte administration.
I encourage others to try the CBRT for themselves. While there are areas for improvement—such as cleanliness, staff training, and fare clarity—the core experience offers a promising vision for urban mobility in Cebu.
