The future of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project is now under a cloud of uncertainty following a major setback in funding. The World Bank has officially withdrawn its financial support for the second and third phases of the ambitious infrastructure plan. This decision, confirmed in recent days, is a direct result of the project's persistently slow implementation pace.
A Blow to Cycling Community and Initial Plans
This development is particularly disheartening for local advocacy groups, including the biking community, who were early supporters. Back in 2012, during numerous project consultations, cyclists successfully lobbied for provisions allowing folding bicycles on the BRT buses. Proponents agreed, recognizing it would not cause disruption and would actually attract cycling enthusiasts to use the system by allowing them to bring their bikes along.
The original, comprehensive plan also included installing secure bicycle parking at every station. This feature was designed to enable commuters to leave their bikes near a station close to their final destination, completing the last leg of their journey on foot. For example, residents from areas like Bacayan and Pit-os could have left their bicycles at the Talamban station instead of hauling them all the way.
The understood route was set to run from Barangay Pardo to Talamban, traversing Escario Street, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, and Governor M. Cuenco Avenue.
Traffic Woes and the Promise of Future Relief
Advocates had always anticipated that the construction phase would create significant traffic congestion, a common consequence of any major roadwork. However, they believed the sacrifice of a few years would be outweighed by the long-term benefit of smoother traffic flow once the system was operational.
The core assumption was that an efficient, reliable bus system would encourage people to leave their private vehicles at home, ultimately reducing the number of cars on Cebu's notoriously crowded roads. This model has seen success in other countries, though not universally.
The Current Crisis and a Path Forward?
Now, with Phase 1 already underway, there is a pressing need for the government to see this project through to completion. The concern is that without the full envisioned network, the initial segment risks becoming a "white elephant"—a costly but useless asset. The fear is that few will ride a bus line that only runs from the N. Bacalso terminal to the Capitol grounds.
This very concern is prompting local officials to seek solutions. Mayor Nestor Archival has proposed extending the operational route of Phase 1. His idea is to run buses from the South Road Properties (SRP), connecting through the Phase 1 corridor, across Escario Street, and directly to Ayala Center Cebu. This aims to create a more practical and appealing route for commuters.
The overarching hope is that the CBRT can still be salvaged. Failure to do so would represent a massive waste of Cebu City's funds, a sunk cost in a project that never delivered its promised transformation for urban mobility.
