Package 1 from CBRT slated for suspension in 2026

In the heart of Cebu City, the long-awaited operations for Package 1 of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project are set to kick off in 2026[1]. This phase, yet to be taken over by a private entity[2], spans a length of 2.38 kilometers, from the Cebu South Bus Terminal on N. Bacalso Ave., all the way to the Capitol Building on Osmena Blvd.[3,4].

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia shared this optimistic outlook during an interview on radio dyHP on Wednesday, May 7, 2025[3]. He stated, "Hopefully, by next year, we can begin operating Package 1."

The involved entities and further details regarding the partnership with the private company are yet to be announced. As of our last conversation with Mayor Garcia on Thursday, May 8, he confirmed that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is still deliberating on the matter[2].

The DOTr, the lead agency behind this project[6], has yet to make an official declaration about the operators for the CBRT buses.

Mayor Garcia admitted that operating a mass transport system is no small task for the city government. He added that it is highly likely that they will partner with an expert in mass transportation[3].

Back in February of this year, Mayor Garcia expressed interest in the electric buses employed in Sweden's BRT system[7], which he discovered during a courtesy visit with the new Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines, Anna Pernilla Ferry[8]. The Swedish government operates a BRT system in Gothenburg as part of the ElectriCity project, a public-private initiative[9].

During the ambassador's visit, various concerns, including electric bus units, systems for operation, and safety features, were addressed[10]. Mayor Garcia expressed his desire to incorporate similar technology in the transit system of Cebu City.

The Swedish experts presented their latest plans for clean energy during a meeting that took place in 2022 when Mayor Garcia was still a vice mayor[11].

The CBRT project was officially announced in 2010, having begun construction in February 2023[12]. The initial plan was for a partial operation to commence in the second quarter of 2024, with the full operation following in the second quarter of the same year, but due to unforeseen delays, the full operational status is now targeted for 2027[13].

The initial project budget was initially estimated at PHP 16.3 billion, which has since been revised up to PHP 28.78 billion[14].

Package 1 encompasses a main line with dedicated bus lanes, 17 stations, a depot, and a terminal. The construction of infrastructure for Package 2 is ongoing while the entire project is expected to be approximately 70 to 80% complete by the end of the next three years[15].

Regarding the plan to ensure the smooth operation of the CBRT station, Mayor Garcia suggested a potential location along Escario Street for an additional station[16]. Contrary to earlier reports, there will be no stations along Osmena Blvd., situated near the Capitol Building, due to concerns about possible damage to the building, designated a National Historical Landmark in 2008 and an Important Cultural Property in 2020[17].

The government of the Philippines, in collaboration with a private entity yet to be identified, plans to operate Package 1 of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project starting in 2026, spanning 2.38 kilometers from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to the Capitol Building.
During an interview on May 7, 2025, Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia expressed his hope that Package 1 will begin operations by the next year.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), spearheading the CBRT project, is still deliberating on the partnership with the private company and has yet to announce the details.
In the future, the city government is likely to partner with an expert in mass transportation to operate the CBRT buses.
Mayor Garcia expressed interest in incorporating the electric bus technology used in Sweden's BRT system, possibly partnering with the Swedish government to bring similar technology to Cebu City.