The Department of Transportation on Monday broke ground for the construction of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project-Package 1 in Fuente Osmeña Circle, Cebu City.
“We break ground today to launch an innovative urban passenger transport system that will raise the level of service, safety and environmental efficiency in this part of the country,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
“This P16.3-billion project will bring multiple benefits to residents of Metro Cebu,” he said.
Bautista said the 13.18-kilometer Cebu BRT would not only reduce travel time between Cebu’s north and south districts but also boost economic productivity in various communities through the efficient mobility of passengers, goods and services.
“The project likewise promises to provide better job security and working conditions for the PUV drivers and reduce vehicle and pedestrian accidents” he said.
The Cebu BRT Package 1 consists of a 2.38-kilometer segregated bus lane and 1.15 kilometers of pedestrian improvement from Link to the Port. It will have four bus stations at Cebu South Bus Terminal, Cebu Normal University and around Fuente Osmeña Circle and Cebu Provincial Capitol.
Bautista said Cebu BRT would be fully operational by the second quarter of 2025.
The project received financing support from the World Bank and the French Development Agency.
Once completed, the Cebu BRT would have 13.18 km. of segregated lanes with 17 stations, 1 depot and 1 trunk terminal from South Road Properties in Cebu City’s south district to the IT park in the north district.
Around 60,000 passengers will be accommodated a day during its first year of operations. At its full operations, it will cater to around 160,000 passengers daily.