Cebu City Council Committee Endorses UV Express Route Extension to Downtown Area
The Cebu City Council committee on transportation, communication, and other utilities has issued a recommendation for the approval of a significant request by the United Drivers and Operators Transport Cooperative (Udotco). This proposal aims to extend their UV Express route from Lapu-Lapu City to downtown Cebu City, a move that could enhance urban mobility for thousands of daily commuters.
Key Factors Supporting the Route Extension Proposal
While the City Planning and Development Office typically focuses on intra-city route plans, the committee has acknowledged several compelling factors that justify this inter-city extension. These include:
- Public convenience and necessity: Addressing the growing demand for efficient transport options between Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu City's central business district.
- Improved accessibility: Providing better connectivity to downtown Cebu City, which is a hub for commerce, education, and government services.
- Reduced travel time: Offering a more direct and faster alternative for commuters, potentially easing congestion on existing routes.
Udotco, represented by operations manager Marlon Limpangug, is specifically seeking to extend their route from the Lapu-Lapu City terminal to Robinsons Galleria Cebu, then further to Cebu City downtown at UV Sanciangko–GV Tower, and back to Lapu-Lapu City. This expansion is backed by an Udotco Board Resolution dated July 15, 2025, which sought endorsement from the Cebu City Council through Councilor Sisinio Andales and the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO).
Regulatory Compliance and Traffic Management Considerations
The committee has emphasized that any approval of this route extension must be contingent upon strict adherence to regulatory frameworks. Key requirements include:
- Full compliance with Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) rules and regulations.
- Coordination with the CCTO and other relevant agencies to address traffic management concerns and conduct a thorough traffic impact assessment.
- Securing a favorable endorsement from the CCTO as a prerequisite for implementation.
In their report, the committee stated, "After due deliberation, the committee finds that the request is reasonable and beneficial to the commuting public, provided that proper coordination, traffic impact assessment and regulatory compliance are strictly observed." This cautious approach ensures that the extension aligns with broader urban planning goals and safety standards.
Councilor Winston Pepito, as chairman of the committee, signed the report, underscoring the official support for this initiative. The recommendation now moves forward for further consideration by the full Cebu City Council, marking a potential step forward in enhancing public transportation infrastructure in the region.
