Cebu's New BRT System Faces Passenger Confusion on Inaugural Day of Operation
Confusion arose among passengers regarding where to disembark on the first day of operation for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system on Friday, March 13, 2026. This prompted city officials to call for stronger public communication and clarification of the new transit rules.
Official Clarifications on Bus Stop Protocols
Cebu City Councilor Winston Pepito emphasized that many passengers still believed buses could stop anywhere along the route. He clarified that CBRT buses are only permitted to halt at designated CBRT stations and cannot stop outside their dedicated lanes, where they would interfere with other vehicle traffic.
During an observed trip by SunStar Cebu, a passenger requested to disembark at a location outside an official station. The conductor did not allow this, explaining that passengers must only alight at the official bus stops. The passenger, with no alternative, complied but commented that the system was not serving its intended purpose.
Positive Feedback on Travel Efficiency
Despite the initial confusion, several passengers who rode the Cibus buses operating on the CBRT Package 1 corridor from Il Corso to Cebu IT Park reported that the journey was smooth and faster compared to traditional bus services.
"The trip had no stops and was relatively fast," said Pau, a 31-year-old passenger whose real name was withheld. Councilor Pepito noted that the dedicated lanes allowed the buses to avoid severe traffic congestion, enabling quicker arrival at destinations. Slower speeds were only experienced in sections outside the BRT lanes where buses shared the road with other vehicles.
Schedule and Traffic Conditions Detailed
Pepito also clarified the schedule for the free ride program under the Department of Transportation's "Libreng Sakay" initiative. Free rides are available from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Regular fares apply outside these hours.
Meanwhile, Raquel Arce, head of the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), reported that traffic flow was moderate to heavy in the early morning. By the afternoon, congestion intensified, particularly around the Fuente Osmeña Circle and the vicinity of N. Bacalso Avenue.
The inaugural day highlighted both the operational challenges and the potential benefits of the new BRT system, underscoring the need for ongoing public education to ensure smooth integration into Cebu's transportation network.
