Delays continue to hound CBRT project

Local

DESPITE efforts to fast-track the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project, unresolved issues, including heritage law violations, traffic congestion, and operational concern, continue to stall its progress.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, during his March 8 visit to the Cebu Provincial Capitol, confirmed that no CBRT stations would be built in front of the Capitol along Osmeña Boulevard.

He said the plan violated heritage laws protecting the Capitol, Fuente Osmeña, and Osmeña Boulevard.

“I actually do agree that the line of sight from the Rotunda to the Kapitolyo must be preserved. It is clear in the law,” he stated.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who had issued a cease-and-desist order against the station’s construction in February 2024, welcomed the decision.

However, she raised concerns about other issues, particularly the impact of CBRT operations near the Cebu South Bus Terminal.

The governor recalled that former Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama had suggested relocating the terminal to the South Road Properties (SRP) to prevent worsening congestion once the CBRT becomes operational.

She argued that keeping the terminal in its current location could create more problems for commuters.

Dizon admitted that he had yet to review the detailed engineering plans for the area but acknowledged that addressing congestion is a key priority.

Beyond infrastructure, Garcia questioned whether the DOTr had finalized plans for CBRT operations, particularly regarding displaced public transport drivers.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Central Visayas (LTFRB 7) Director Eduardo Montealto maintained that drivers and operators had been consulted and assisted before the project’s construction began.

Despite this, questions remain about how the CBRT will integrate into Cebu’s transport system.

Dizon acknowledged the broader transport challenges, saying, “On a daily basis, the time commuters spend commuting is time lost—time they could have spent with their families, children, or doing things they should be doing instead of spending 3 to 5 hours in traffic.”

Deloitte, through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, is currently studying the CBRT’s operations and maintenance.

However, Garcia urged both Deloitte and the DOTr to conduct on-the-ground assessments instead of relying solely on technical studies.

To improve coordination, Garcia offered the abandoned Palace of Justice within the Capitol compound as a potential DOTr office, allowing transport officials to engage more directly with local stakeholders.

She expressed appreciation for Dizon’s visit, seeing it as a shift toward better dialogue between the DOTr and Cebu officials.

Dizon reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to improving Cebu’s transport system, stating that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had instructed the DOTr to accelerate key projects.

He emphasized that continued engagement with local officials would be essential in ensuring meaningful progress.

Also present at the meeting were Senator Pia Cayetano, Land Transportation Office Central Visayas Director Glenn Galario, Cebu Port Authority General Manager Kit Comendador, CBRT Project Manager Engr. Norvin Imbong, and representatives from the World Bank, the project’s primary funder.(MyTVCebu Desk)