First CBRT ride ‘smooth,’ but adjustments needed — Commuters
CEBU CITY, Philippines — After years of delays, commuters finally experienced the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system on Friday as it began its partial operations.
But not without concerns.
The CBRT system began its partial operations on Friday, March 13, with commuters and officials describing the first day of the rollout as generally smooth, although passengers may still need time to adjust to the new station-based transport system.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Cebu City Government earlier announced that the initial operations of the long-awaited CBRT project would begin Friday, covering portions of the corridor from N. Bacalso Avenue to the IT Park station.
During the introductory phase, passengers may ride the CBRT buses for free during designated hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. as part of the system’s initial rollout.
Beyond the free-ride period, officials said fares will be determined based on distance traveled.
READ: Free CBRT rides from Il Corso to IT Park begin March 13
CBRT first-day ride experience
Based on an observed trip this Friday morning, travel time from N. Bacalso Avenue to IT Park took about 36 minutes.
Bus driver Paul Purgatorio said traffic conditions during the trip were “manageable.”
“Traffic is generally manageable at this hour. Usually, congestion is experienced only during peak hours,” he said.
Pau, 31, a commuter who boarded the CBRT bus from Mambaling to IT Park, described the ride as smooth.
He said the bus stops for about 30 seconds at each station and that passengers can only board and disembark at designated stations.
“Okay ra man ang byahe kay wala na kaayo traffic ug paspas ra ang dagan sa bus. Murag naa tay priority lane,” he said.
READ: CBRT free rides may last days, not one year — Archival
However, he pointed out that commuters who are used to traditional public transport practices may still need time to adapt to the station-based system.
“Mag-time pa gyud og adjust ang mga commuters kay sauna pwede ra muhunong bisan asa para makanaog ang pasahero, pero karon naa na tay stations. So far wala pa man, murag smooth man ang byahe nato karon,” he added.
CBRT launch ‘successful’
Councilor Winston Pepito, chairman of the City Council’s Committee on Transportation, said the initial run of the system appeared “successful.”
Pepito, who joined the partial run, said the ride was generally smooth with minimal traffic, allowing the bus to reach its destination quickly.
However, he pointed out that the trip occurred around 10 a.m., outside peak hours, although reports earlier that morning also indicated no major traffic congestion during peak hours.
Pepito said an information drive may still be needed after observing that some passengers were still requesting to be dropped off outside designated stations.
“Naanad ang uban sa traditional jeepney nga bisan asa pwede mupara. Mao nga kinahanglan pa og information drive aron masabtan sa mga commuters nga sa mga station ra pwede muhunong,” he said.
Pepito added that completing the entire CBRT corridor would significantly improve commuting in the city.
“Kung mahuman ang tibuok project gikan Bulacao o SRP hangtod IT Park nga naay dedicated lane, parehas na gyud na sa experience sa LRT o MRT kay dili na gyud ta ma-traffic,” he said.
Concerns
Previous reports by CDN Digital noted that while the CBRT system has started its operations, commuters and motorists may still experience traffic adjustments as the city adapts to the new traffic setup and dedicated bus lanes along the corridor.
Transport groups have also earlier raised concerns over rising diesel prices affecting public transport operations.
They urged the Cebu City Government to consider providing fuel subsidies to help drivers cope with increasing fuel costs.
Authorities said they will continue monitoring traffic conditions and commuter response in the coming days as the city adjusts to the CBRT system’s initial operations.
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