In response to what commuters have described as a crisis, the Cebu City Government is launching an immediate relief measure: four free electric bus services to alleviate severe transportation difficulties during the holiday rush. This move comes after widespread public complaints, including a viral open letter, highlighted unbearable conditions with packed jeepneys and hours-long waits for rides.
Immediate Response to Public Clamor
Mayor Nestor Archival announced the initiative on Thursday, December 18, 2025, stating it was a direct response to a growing public outcry. The decision was notably prompted by an open letter from Fidel Laurence Ricafranca that circulated on social media, labeling the current situation a "transport emergency." The letter detailed daily commuter struggles with heavy traffic, scarce transport options, and the high cost of app-based rides.
"This action reflects our commitment to governance that listens, responds, and remains open to communication, especially in times of urgent public need," Archival stated in a post on Cebu City News. The mayor ordered the measure following internal discussions with the Department of General Services and a review of public feedback.
Operation Details and Routes
The city-owned electric buses will operate from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight, starting December 18, 2025, or until all waiting passengers are accommodated. The service will run nightly until the New Year.
Of the four buses deployed:
- Two will ply the northern route to Talamban.
- Two will serve the southern route to Bulacao.
All trips will originate from downtown Cebu near City Hall. Mayor Archival noted that the deployment is on an initial and limited basis, with trips dependent on driver availability. Schedules are still being finalized by the city.
Each bus has a capacity of 60 to 80 passengers. Priority seating will be given to persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women, whom officials identified as the most vulnerable during long waits and overcrowded trips.
The free service will focus on evening peak hours and will not cover the morning period, as buses are assigned to regular daytime operations. A morning deployment is still under study.
Mixed Reactions and Long-Term Challenges
The announcement caught some city officials by surprise. City Councilor Winston Pepito, chairman of the Committee on Transportation, said he had not been formally briefed on the plan prior to its announcement.
Pepito expressed uncertainty about the root cause of the transport problem, questioning whether it was a shortage of vehicles or traffic congestion delaying existing jeepneys. "I cannot yet give a conclusive opinion because I have not been briefed by the CCTO on what is really causing the problem on the ground," he said.
He acknowledged potential concerns from jeepney drivers, as the free service might compete for passengers and affect their earnings. However, he downplayed fears that the buses would worsen traffic, citing the limited number of units. "I don't think it will add much to traffic. The buses are few, so I think it's going to be okay," Pepito remarked.
He emphasized that while immediate interventions are necessary, Cebu City's transportation problems cannot be solved by short-term measures alone, and long-term reforms are still being pursued.
Commuters Voice Their Frustration
For daily commuters, the holiday season has been a test of patience. Edryll James Mauring, who commutes to Mambaling, said the combination of heavy traffic and overcrowded rides has made travel exceptionally difficult.
Another commuter, Abby Jimenez, shared her ordeal: it takes her around two hours to get home to Talamban and another two hours just waiting for a ride. "This season is not a holiday, it's a holiday of traffic," Jimenez lamented, capturing the sentiment of many.
The free electric bus service stands as Cebu City's direct attempt to address these pressing complaints and provide temporary relief during one of the busiest times of the year.
