Cebu City mulls opening CBRT lanes to other vehicles

Local

CEBU City is considering allowing limited mixed traffic in portions of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) dedicated lanes.

This, as local officials want to address congestion reported following the system’s initial rollout.

Mayor Nestor Archival said the proposal is among the adjustments being studied after motorists complained of heavier traffic along N. Bacalso Avenue to Osmeña Boulevard during the first days of partial CBRT operations.

“Every time naa’y bagong re-routing or re-arrangement sa traffic, you can expect nga naay mausab, including traffic buildup,” Archival said.

The mayor acknowledged public frustration but stressed that disruptions are expected in the early stages of major traffic changes, particularly as drivers adapt to new road configurations and stricter lane discipline.

On March 13, Cebu City began partial operations of the CBRT system, with median lanes along key corridors temporarily closed to general traffic to prioritize buses.

These include stretches of N. Bacalso Avenue—from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to Osmeña Boulevard—and Osmeña Boulevard up to Fuente Osmeña Circle.

Motorists were advised to follow designated lanes and traffic personnel as the city implemented the new system.

Archival said initial congestion may also be linked to driver behavior, noting that undisciplined lane use, including counterflowing and last-minute turns, has worsened bottlenecks in some areas.

He cited experience in Talamban, where the installation of traffic lights initially drew complaints but eventually improved traffic flow as motorists adjusted and followed proper lane assignments.

“Karun, na-realize sa mga tao unsaon paggamit sa lanes. Na-discipline sila,” he said.

Data from the City Traffic Management Coordination (TMC) showed that traffic volume in some areas has exceeded projections, with around 75,000 vehicles recorded compared to the original estimate of 60,000 to 65,000.

The city has also begun using artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted traffic signals that automatically adjust timing based on real-time vehicle volume, allowing more efficient flow at intersections.

Despite this, Archival admitted that infrastructure and system limitations prevent immediate large-scale adjustments, especially in known choke points such as areas near schools and public facilities.

Still, the mayor said the city is open to modifying the dedicated lane policy if it does not compromise the efficiency of the CBRT system.

“We will be considering nga pwede makagi ang uban (vehicles), as long as dili siya maka-hamper sa dagan sa bus,” he said.

The CBRT system relies on dedicated lanes to ensure faster and more reliable travel times by allowing buses to bypass regular traffic. Transport planners have long emphasized that separating buses from mixed traffic improves efficiency, increases capacity, and enhances commuter safety.

However, Archival said flexibility may be necessary during the transition period as authorities gather data and refine operations.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), which is implementing the project, initiated the partial rollout to identify real-world challenges and guide further adjustments.

“Gihimo ni siya para makabalo ta unsay angay i-adjust,” Archival said, assuring the public that changes are based on traffic studies and not intended to worsen congestion.

Earlier, city officials described the first day of CBRT operations as generally smooth, with minimal congestion reported during both peak and off-peak hours.

However, they also acknowledged the need for stronger public information campaigns, particularly on station-based boarding rules and lane restrictions.(TGP)