MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will launch the pilot operations of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (Cebu-BRT) in September, aiming to ease the daily commute of at least 70,000 passengers.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said three stations—Fuente, Cebu Normal University, and Cebu South Bus Terminal Station—will be operational during the initial phase.

“Malaking bagay ang Cebu BRT para sa mga kababayan nating Cebuano. Pinamamadali na natin ang construction ng ibang station ng BRT para mas maraming lugar at mas maraming komyuter ang maabot ng nitong proyekto,” Dizon said during a meeting with Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, and other local officials.

The move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to fast-track the BRT’s pilot operations and the construction of other stations to improve traffic conditions and commuter experience in the province.

Construction of the Cebu Capitol station is expected to begin after the finalization of its detailed engineering design, which will convert it from a curbside to a median station.

Secretary Dizon thanked the Cebu provincial government for assisting the DOTr in resolving project-related issues.

“Iniutos ng Pangulo na bilisan ang pagtapos dito sa proyekto. Makakaasa ang mga kababayan nating Cebuano na gagawin natin ang lahat para matulungan ang mga komyuter para mas mabilis at komportable ang kanilang biyahe,” he said.

Dizon also confirmed that Phases 2A and 3A of the BRT, which will include 13 stations and 62 bus stops, are scheduled to be completed before the end of President Marcos’ term in 2028.