Partial operations of CBRT get going

Local

THE partial run of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) from Il Corso to Cebu IT Park was launched smoothly on Friday, March 13.

However, officials said more public information is needed as some commuters expect buses to stop outside designated stations.

Councilor Winston Pepito, who chairs the City Council’s Transportation Committee, described the first day of operations as generally successful but noted that the public must be reminded that CBRT buses will only load and unload passengers at official stations.

“I would say it was a smooth ride. Wala rajud kaayo ta na traffic ug maayo, dali ata naabot so I think successful sya na ride,” Pepito said in an interview.

The councilor said his trip took place around 10 a.m., outside peak hours, but initial reports from the morning rush also did not indicate heavy congestion.

“But base sa among reports nga nadawat ganiha during the peak hours ganiha morning, wala rapod sila ka-encounter ug heavy traffic. Okay raman,” he said.

Pepito explained that most buses had already been operating along the corridor for years, and the main change now is the opening of a dedicated lane and the addition of more buses, along with a free-ride period during the partial run.

“Ang nalahi lang karon kay mu-open na ang dedicated lane… Add a few more buses ug ni-add sila ug libreng sakay,” he said.

One of the commuters who joined the first-day ride, Pau, who works at IT Park, described the trip as generally smooth and faster than usual.

“Okay man ang byahe no kay syempre nana ta sa BRT and then wala na syay traffic although there are 30 seconds stop over sa mga stations but it’s okay,” Pau said.

“Murag naa tay priority lane murag in-ana sya. Lahos ra paspas ra,” the commuter added.

Pau noted, however, that passengers may need time to adjust to the new system, particularly the rule that buses stop only at stations.

“Mag-time to adjust na ang mga commuters no kay syempre sauna like anywhere pwede ra maglugar ang bus para makanaog ang pasahero but now we have stations na,” Pau said.

“Even though di sila makapanaog sa ilang destined place, pero at least naa sila sa station.”

The commuter said the ride had been smooth so far while heading to work after boarding from the Gaisano Main (Jai-Alai) area in Mambaling.

“So far wala paman kay murag smooth man ang byahe nato karon,” Pau added.

Pepito said some passengers were disappointed when drivers refused to stop outside CBRT stations, reflecting habits formed under traditional jeepney and bus systems.

“I think need pa ug information drive sa mga katawhan kay ang na-notice nako ganiha naa gyuy mga tao na mag-demand na muhunong dili sa station,” he said.

“Ganahan or naanad sila sauna sa traditional jeepney na bisag asa sila mupara o asa sila muhunong.”

The councilor said clearer public messaging will be important to help commuters understand how the BRT system operates and why station-based loading and unloading is necessary for safety and efficiency.

Pepito added that the true benefits of the BRT system will be felt once the entire project corridor is completed.

“If mahuman ang tibuok project from SRP or from Bulacao to IT Park na dedicated lane, makasinati ta ug same na experience sa kanang naa tay LRT, MRT or train,” he said.

“Mao na ang experience kay dili manta ma-traffic jud.”

Meanwhile, city officials are urging the national government to continue prioritizing the completion of the CBRT project beyond the currently operational section under Package 1.

“Hangyo jud nato sa national government na tabangan ta na tagaan ta ug prioridad atong BRT na ma-complete gyud sya, dili lang Package 1 of course,” Pepito said.(TGP)