1 month ago
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CEBU CITY — For the second time, barriers installed to mark the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) lane on Osmeña Boulevard have been taken down.
This time, the barriers were removed just two days after installation.
Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia ordered the removal after multiple accidents occurred after they were installed.
Garcia and CBRT project manager Norvin Imbong inspected the site on Wednesday and directed the CBRT management to take down the separators within 48 hours.
He said the barriers were meant to simulate the bus lane's operation but stressed that they would be reinstalled once the CBRT is ready for operation.
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The mayor noted that since private vehicles are prohibited from entering the dedicated lane, the barriers were necessary to enforce the restriction.
He believed motorists would better understand their purpose once the buses are operational.
Garcia acknowledged the accidents and apologized to those affected, clarifying that the separators were part of a national government project intended to benefit Cebuanos.
He assured the public that once the barriers return, they will have better reflectors for improved visibility at night.
Kent Jongoy, Cebu City Traffic Office's assistant head, explained that the barriers served as preparatory measures for the CBRT's dedicated lanes.
He noted that road markings and signage were already in place but that the separators reinforced the restriction under the Traffic Code, which prohibits lane changes in solid-marked lanes.
Imbong said the CBRT's design included segregated northbound and southbound lanes, allowing for faster and more predictable bus travel.
He reiterated that no private vehicles would be allowed once the bus system becomes operational.
While the project's first phase remains scheduled for completion by March 5, 2025, Imbong said no definite timeline exists for the full operation of the CBRT, as bus procurement is still ongoing in Manila.
Garcia said the city government maintains close coordination with the CBRT team and the Department of Transportation.
He said project officials were receptive to the city's feedback and adjustments, ensuring smoother implementation moving forward.
