As the pilot run for Package 1 of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) nears, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival inspected the Fuente Station and ordered immediate rectifications on several structural and electrical works.
According to the Cebu City Public Information Office, Archival led an inspection on Saturday (October 4), which was intended to ensure the safety, functionality, and readiness of the station.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) representative Jude Campomanes joined Archival in the inspection. Campomanes assured the mayor that his directives would be properly conveyed to their contractor for immediate action.
However, the same report stated that Archival was ‘dismayed’ over the current condition of the station after assessing that it did not meet ‘his expectations in terms of quality and workmanship.’
The mayor, who is a professional engineer, then called for urgent resolution of the issues to avoid delays and ensure that the facility meets the standards expected of a major public transport infrastructure.
Among the issues identified for rectification were the bolt foundation cut-off or covering, retightening of junction boxes, sealing of electrical pipe holes and junction boxes, replacement of missing bolt glass and cleanout cover, and water flow testing.
Archival also ordered the completion of manhole cover, and grouting, replacement of soil in plant boxes and installation of cleanout totems, adjustments in the gen-set area, including fencing and pipe elbow corrections, and design changes in electrical housing.
Archival further ordered the rectification of gutters and transition roof cleaning, replacement of rusted bench bolts, nuts, and washers, relocation of electrical pipes and uni-strut foundations, and finishing of flooring and drainage works at the station.
It was reported that the Cebu City Government, alongside the CBRT management, is now in the process of finalizing, refining, and adjusting the routes for Package 1, as the initial commencement of the dry run has been moved to a later date instead of being held on September 29, 2025.
In a previous interview, Archival remained firm on testing the CBRT stretch from South Road Properties (SRP) to Ayala. He currently recommends this route and has also requested the rectification of issues around the stations that the buses will be traversing.
‘Ako ng gi request nila nga limpyohan,’ said Archival.
This came after he personally observed electrical wires protruding along the route. He is also seeking to fast-track the installation of bollards to separate the dedicated lanes from mixed traffic.
As for the markers and directional lanes, Archival said he has also requested their installation from the DOTr and the CBRT management, adding that it is supposed to be part of their responsibility.
According to Archival, the absence of concrete markers and directional lanes can cause traffic congestion. He added that this could also be attributed to the lack of traffic analysis, which has not yet been submitted.
‘Ang importante sad naa gyuy enough nga personnel nga maka guide gyud sa rota, kay kini man gung mga sakyanan usahay mag inday-inday,’ said Archival.
With this, Archival also plans to propose designated loading and no-unloading zones to further regulate traffic outside the CBRT lanes.
‘Mao ni akong i bring up nila kay lisod kaayo nga ako kang mag sigeg analyze,’ said Archival, adding that traffic congestion during CBRT operations must be addressed.
In line with this, he also directed that the number of traffic personnel from the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) be determined to fully assess deployment of personnel along the CBRT stretch.
Moving forward, Archival said they will intensify information dissemination regarding traffic schemes but emphasized that the dry run is still not comparable to the actual commencement of Package 1.