Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mention of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying it strengthens confidence that the flagship transport project will continue despite challenges in its succeeding phases.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, July 30, three days after the President’s address, Archival described the SONA as generally positive and highlighted the recognition of the CBRT as a significant point for Cebu.
“Based on what I saw in his report, it was very good. What I liked most was that he acknowledged that Phase 1 in Cebu is already underway. I think that is good to hear because it gives us confidence that our BRT project will continue to move forward,” Archival said.
During his SONA, Marcos cited the opening of the initial segment of the Cebu BRT as part of the government’s efforts to improve public transportation and address mobility concerns in urban areas.
Archival said the President’s acknowledgment reflects continued national government support for the project, which has faced delays and criticisms during its implementation.
However, the mayor acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly for the project’s second phase, where right-of-way acquisition continues to be a concern.
He said the city government is preparing measures for the Talamban corridor to manage traffic once construction and operations progress in the area.
Among the measures being considered are traffic flow simulations for motorcycles, the designation of loading and unloading areas, and stricter enforcement of traffic rules.
Archival said these preparations aim to ensure that other road users will have designated spaces once the BRT system expands.
“We want to simulate how the area will function, especially for motorcycles, because once the Bus Rapid Transit is fully operational, we have to make sure other vehicles will also have their own designated routes,” he said.
The mayor said the city has gained lessons from the implementation of Phase 1, particularly along Osmeña Boulevard.
He recalled that when CBRT buses were not yet operating at full frequency, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) temporarily allowed other vehicles to use the dedicated bus lane.
According to Archival, the experience showed that commuters gradually adjusted to using designated stations instead of boarding and alighting along random points on the road.
He added that public utility vehicle drivers also observed improvements in traffic movement as passengers followed proper loading and unloading procedures.
The mayor said transport groups have since supported the consistent enforcement of designated loading and unloading areas to promote discipline among motorists and commuters.
As part of preparations for the next phase of CBRT, Archival said the city will begin implementing a “discipline zone” in Talamban on August 5.
He said infrastructure improvements, including the installation of canopy lights by the BE Group, are also being completed to support the initiative.
Archival said traffic conditions in the area were generally manageable after he attended the turnover of the lighting facilities.
The Cebu BRT is among the national government’s flagship public transportation projects aimed at providing a faster and more efficient mass transit system in Metro Cebu.
While the first phase is already operational, succeeding phases remain under implementation, with right-of-way acquisition among the major issues affecting the project’s expansion toward northern Cebu.
Photo by Jacq Hernandez
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