From October to November: Quakes delay CBRT dry run

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — The recent earthquakes have prompted Cebu City officials to move the dry run for Phase 1 of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) from this month to November.

In an interview, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival admitted that while he wanted to proceed with the dry run as originally scheduled this month, the earthquake prompted them to delay it.

He added that he received information from the national government about the possibility that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. might attend the event in Cebu City.

“Tungod lagi sa problema aning earthquake, naay possibility nga November na,” said Archival.

Since the project has not yet been officially turned over to the city, Archival has asked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to manage the stations after reports surfaced that some were used as “comfort rooms” by mendicants.

Aside from this, Archival said there are still several aspects of the overall project that need to be rectified.

Despite the postponement, the city will continue conducting test runs and route inspections. Archival admitted that these test runs have drawn complaints about heavy traffic congestion.

He explained that the traffic buildup is normal since changes were implemented in the traffic lanes. He also noted that some drivers dropping off passengers anywhere along the route add to the congestion.

For now, Archival is requesting that vehicles be allowed to use the CBRT lanes since Phase 1 has not yet begun its pilot run.

“Kay mao raman gihapon ng rotaha…these are just some adjustments nga atong gitan-aw,” said Archival.

The Cebu City Government and CBRT management are currently finalizing and adjusting the routes for Package 1. The dry run, initially set for September 29, 2025, has been moved to a later date.

In a previous interview, Archival said he remains firm on testing the CBRT stretch from the South Road Properties (SRP) to Ayala. He also requested that issues along the stations on this route be rectified.

“Ako na’ng gi request nila nga limpyohan,” said Archival.

He said he personally observed electrical wires protruding along the route and wants the installation of bollards fast-tracked to separate the dedicated lanes from mixed traffic.

Archival also requested the installation of lane markers and directional signs from the DOTr and CBRT management, saying these should have been part of their responsibilities.

He explained that the absence of concrete markers and directional lanes contributes to congestion and may be worsened by the lack of a comprehensive traffic analysis, which has yet to be submitted.

“Ang importante sad naa gyuy enough nga personnel nga maka guide gyud sa rota, kay kini man gung mga sakyanan usahay mag inday-inday,” said Archival.

To help regulate traffic outside the CBRT lanes, Archival said he plans to propose designated loading and no-unloading zones.

“Mao ni akong i bring up nila kay lisod kaayo nga ako lang mag sige’g analyze,” said Archival, adding that congestion during CBRT operations must be properly addressed.

He also directed that the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) determine the number of traffic personnel needed to be deployed along the CBRT stretch.

Moving forward, Archival said the city will intensify information dissemination about the new traffic schemes but emphasized that the dry run cannot yet be compared to the actual operation of Package 1.