Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has officially announced the new dates for the long-delayed dry run of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system. The initial operational test is now scheduled to begin on December 11 or 12, 2025. The mayor emphasized his firm stance against any further postponements into the next year.
Project Delays and the Impact of Typhoon Tino
The path to launching the CBRT's dry run has been marked by several postponements. The most recent delay was caused by Typhoon Tino, which struck Cebu on November 4, 2025. This forced the city to reschedule the dry run and inauguration, which were originally planned for November 5. Mayor Archival acknowledged the persistent challenges but stressed that preparatory and communication work for the dry run continues unabated.
City Coordination and High-Profile Invitations
The Cebu City government is maintaining close coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure a smooth rollout. Mayor Archival revealed that they expect DOTr officials to attend the event and plan to extend an invitation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as well. This underscores the national significance of the CBRT project for the Philippines' infrastructure landscape.
Prioritizing the 2025 Timeline
Completing the dry run within the current year is a top priority for the city administration. Mayor Archival highlighted that holding the dry run in December 2025 allows Cebu City to stay on its revised project timeline. This strategic timing is also intended to facilitate better traffic management and ensure the public is adequately informed about the CBRT's partial operations before they begin.
The mayor's announcement brings a renewed sense of certainty to a project eagerly awaited by Cebuanos. The CBRT is poised to transform urban mobility in Metro Cebu, and the upcoming dry run represents a critical step toward its full implementation.
