Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez said the feasibility for the planned Metro Cebu Urban Mass Rapid Transit (UMRT) is expected to start in October this year stating that his agency will prioritize Cebu infrastructure projects that will help commuters and improve the economy of the Visayan region.
“Hopefully we can start the feasibility study by October 2026. Once we do the feasibility study, we will start coordinating with the local governmen,” said Secretary Lopez during the “Usapang Budget Natin” forum held in Cebu City.
Secretary Lopez said that President Marcos Jr. did not only order to fast track transportation projects in Metro Manila, but for other regions as well.
The UMRT is a 67.5 kilometer railway from Danao City to Carcar City with additional 25 kilometers to connect to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
He also that the Package 1 of Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), which is comprised of three stations including Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) Station, Cebu Normal University (CNU) Station, and Fuente Station, will be opened soon.
Once Package 1 becomes operational, it will benefit some 34,000 daily commuters.
Other projects for the region include the construction of bike lanes, implementation of the Love Bus Libreng Sakay Program, construction of the New Cebu International Container Port at San Fernando Port, and the continuing Public-Private Partnership for the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
