The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to launch pilot operations for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (Cebu-BRT) in September, initially covering three stations and is expected to benefit 70,000 daily commuters.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said Wednesday the initial operations will include the Fuente, Cebu Normal University, and Cebu South Bus Terminal stations.

He added that construction of the Cebu Capitol station will follow after finalizing design revisions to shift it from a curbside to a median station.

“The Cebu BRT is a big help for our fellow Cebuanos. We are expediting the construction of other BRT stations so that this project can reach more areas and more commuters,” Dizon said. 

The DOTr targets to complete Phases 2A and 3A of the BRT system—which include 13 stations and 62 bus stops—before the end of Marcos’ term in 2028.

In a related development, the DOTR and its attached agency, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, have launched the Libreng Sakay Program in Cebu. The program offers free rides on the Urgello-Parkmall route via modern jeepneys.

Funded under the Service Contracting Program, the initiative aims to ease daily commuting costs for passengers, especially students, and provide fixed income to over 400 participating drivers and operators. About 20,000 passengers are expected to benefit daily.

The program has a one-year budget of P125 million and will run until 2028, with free rides available from 6 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. daily.

The DOTr is also studying possible expansion to other routes, including Talisay-IT Park.