Archival urges commuters to choose ‘faster, safer’ BRT

Local

CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival called on residents to choose the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) as their main mode of transport, highlighting that every ordinary commuter is considered a VIP (very important person) under the system’s design.

He said the project aims to make public transport more convenient, faster, and safer, providing a practical alternative to private vehicles and helping reduce traffic congestion across the city.

On Friday, September 19, Archival and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña led a detailed route inspection from Fuente Osmeña to the South Bus Terminal.

They were joined by officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Cebu City Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The inspection allowed city officials to observe the buses’ performance and the readiness of stations along the corridor.

“Number one: nakita nato smooth ang byahe. Number two: although smooth, naa lang gihapon atoang makit-an nga diperensya. Makita nato nga dili straight gyud kay naay mga stops… but gikan dinhi sa Fuente station, going to South [bus] terminal station it only takes about six minutes. And now, kung wala pata maghunong, I am sure we will be there in four minutes," he said in an interview.

He noted that even with stops and traffic signals, the buses provided a comfortable and timely journey, showing the system’s potential to improve city travel.

Archival also highlighted plans to further streamline the service “But eventually and real gyud nga situation nga maoverride nato ang stoplight,” he said.

He underscored the city’s efforts to make bus travel faster and more efficient along the main corridor. The mayor clarified that the inspection was not yet the start of the CBRT’s dry run.

The official dry run is scheduled for September 29, covering Phase 1 of the project, which runs from SM Seaside City at the South Road Properties (SRP) to Ayala Center Cebu and back.

The buses used during Friday’s inspection will not operate until the dry run begins to ensure proper adjustments and full readiness for commuters.

Archival said the CBRT represents a significant milestone in Cebu City’s push for a modern, reliable public transport system.

He encouraged residents to embrace the project, explaining that choosing the CBRT could reduce travel time, ease road congestion, and provide a more comfortable commute for daily riders, including workers, students, and shoppers.

He added that the city government will continue monitoring the route, making adjustments as necessary to ensure the buses run smoothly when the dry run officially begins.

The mayor emphasized that the system will evolve as city officials gather feedback from commuters during the dry run, refining schedules and operations before the full launch.(MyTVCebu)