The President also led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project, which aims to decongest traffic in Cebu City and give commuters a faster and safer mode of transportation.
The ceremony officially kicked off the civil works for the four stations under Package I of the project, which involves the construction of a 2.38-kilometer segregated bus lane with four bus stations.
It will also include a 1.15-kilometer pedestrian improvement, which will link the CBRT System to the Port of Cebu.
The nearly P1 billion Package I was awarded to the Chinese contractor Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Group Co.Ltd. In November last year.
Aside from the Chinese government, President Marcos also thanked the World Bank and the French Development Agency “for being active partners in the realization of modern public transport systems in the Philippines.”
The entire CBRT system—which comprises three packages—is designed to accommodate 83 12-meter buses by its opening year, the President said.
It is expected to be expanded to accommodate more and longer buses in the future.
Aside from bringing convenience to people, the President said the project will also give greater opportunities and improve the working conditions of public transport drivers.
The President said the Cebu system is patterned after other BRT systems of advanced and progressive cities like Seoul in South Korea and Guangzhou in China.
“I trust it will also support economic development through travel time savings, environmental improvements, and reduction of accidents among residents and visitors of the city,” President Marcos said.