Cebu City deploys buses amid ‘Basyang’ threat

Local

AMID worsening weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Basyang, the Cebu City government on Thursday, Feb. 5, activated free bus services to keep commuters moving.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairperson of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC), announced that the free bus service started at 4 p.m. Thursday as part of the city’s emergency response amid worsening weather conditions.

Seven buses have been deployed to service major corridors in the city’s northern and southern districts, with Colon Street serving as the central endpoint for all routes, according to the Department of General Services (DGS).

The free bus service will operate on a vice versa basis along the following southern routes:

Bulacao–Colon: via N. Bacalso Ave., P. del Rosario St., and Day-as Bulacao–SM City Cebu: via N. Bacalso, P. del Rosario, Day-as, Imus Ave., and Gen. Maxilom Ave. Extension Labangon–Colon: via Tisa, Punta Princesa, Shopwise, N. Bacalso, and P. del Rosario

Guadalupe–Colon: via Petron Guadalupe, V. Rama Ave., Cebu City Medical Center, E-Mall, and Leon Kilat St.

North routes

For northern Cebu City, buses will ply the following routes:

Panagdait–Colon: via Pope John Paul II Ave., Mabolo Church area, M.J. Cuenco Ave., and Cebu Technological University Lahug–Colon: via Gorordo Ave., Climaco Ave., Ramos St., and Junquera St. Talamban–Colon: from Gemini Fuel Gas Station, via Ban-Tal Road, Gorordo Ave., and M.J. Cuenco Ave.

City officials said the free rides are meant to cushion the impact of weather-related transport disruptions, particularly for workers and residents with limited commuting options.

Weather situation

As of 2 p.m. Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Tropical Storm Basyang maintained maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour, with gusts of up to 80 kph, while moving westward at 25 kph.

Cebu is currently under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, with strong winds of 39 to 61 kph expected within 36 hours.

Pagasa warned of possible heavy rainfall, strong to gale-force gusts enhanced by the northeast monsoon, and a minimal to moderate risk of coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying and coastal areas.

The city government urged residents to remain cautious, monitor official advisories, and follow instructions from local authorities as weather conditions continue to evolve.

Officials said the free bus service will be subject to further advisories depending on the storm’s movement and impact.(TGP)