DOTr eyes partial operations of Cebu bus rapid transit this year

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is eyeing to partially open Cebu’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system within this year.
In a statement on Monday, the DOTr said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has ordered “round-the-clock” construction work to achieve the targeted partial operability of the Package 1 of the Cebu BRT project this year.
Package 1 covers the 2.6-kilometer busway with four stations, urban realm enhancement, and vital intersection improvements.
“Currently, Package 1 is already at the procurement stage,” the DOTr said.
The department said Tugade wants the procurement process fast tracked and to ensure that the project’s work schedule and timeline of completion will be aligned with the election ban next year.
Once completed, the 13.2-kilometer bus rapid transit lane will traverse the South Road Properties (SRP) through Mambaling, up to IT Park, with 17 stations, two terminals, and one depot.
When finished, the Cebu BRT is seen to serve around 60,000 passengers daily.
Tugade said the realization of the Cebu BRT will “improve passenger mobility along the project’s corridors.”
“It will also provide an option that is swift, comfortable, cost-effective, efficient, and will generate fewer emissions that reduce both local and global pollution,” he added.