Several development projects are in place to improve Cebu’s transportation system.
Photo by Justin Natividad on Unsplash
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking to improve Cebu’s traffic woes by building an underground railroad.
On January 23rd, Transportation Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development John Batan announced plans to conduct a feasibility study for the project.
Also known as the Metro Cebu Urban Mass Rapid Transit (UMRT), this is part of the Metro Cebu Urban Transport Master Plan orchestrated by the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
First formulated in 2019, the Cebu Master Plan aims to decongest traffic around the metro area. An article in Sunstar Cebu also mentions it could reduce travel time, improve commuter services, and provide a more accessible form of public transportation. (2024)
A report from BusinessWorld states that the subway system will span 60 to 65 kilometers from Danao City in the north to Carcar City in the south. (2025)
This will be divided into two phases, each passing through different key areas of the island.
The first phase, also called the “central line”, will traverse Danao City, Liloan, Consolacion, Mandaue City, Cebu City, Talisay City, City of Naga, San Fernando, and Carcar City.
The second phase, on the other hand, is much shorter, and will cross the coastal areas of all the metro cities on the island.
The initial plan was to create an elevated railway system similar to the Light Rail Transit in Manila, but the DOTr deemed it unfeasible because of Cebu’s narrow roads.
Batan mentioned that unlike Manila, Cebu does not have many long stretches of roads, so constructing an elevated railway may result in a curved alignment.
A study on the curvature of tracks mentioned that this restricts speed and increases the risk of collisions and derailment. It is also more costly to maintain because of increased wear and tear of parts of the track. (2018)
As such, the DOTr will push through with their plans for an underground railway project formulated in 2024.
The feasibility study includes the demand and possible benefits of the railway system to Cebuanos.
Meanwhile, they will also partner with the Cebu Provincial government to determine the best course of action for construction.
PAST AND OTHER FUTURE RAILWAYS
The UMRT could be the first railway system in Cebu in over 70 years since the destruction of the first Cebu railway.
The previous one spanned around 91 kilometers, from Danao in the north to Argao in the south. Historical records mention that the system had 14 stations in total.
It had two routes: one going back and forth from the city to the province, and another from its central station to the port area. Today, only remnants of the track remain, and it is commonly referenced in museums.
According to an article in The Freeman, the Cebu railway is often remembered for playing a big part in the rise of the “Queen City of the South.” (2014) Cebu became the second most important trade center of the Philippines because of these routes.
They were built to help transport different goods to Cebu City, which were sold to international merchants and traders. These included sugar, abaca, copra, and coconuts.
Additionally, the Philippine government has highlighted the Cebu monorail, a 27-kilometer transit system with two long distance routes.
One is a 17.7-kilometer elevated railway from Banilad to Linao, while the other will be from Cebu City to Mactan Airport.
While no date has been announced for its completion, the project has garnered support from local officials like Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ahong Chan.
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REFERENCES:
Padronia, Earl Kim H. 2024. “67.5-km subway system proposed for Cebu.” Sunstar Cebu.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/675-km-subway-system-proposed-for-cebu
Jose, Ashley Erika. 2025. “Next subway could rise in Cebu.” BusinessWorld.
https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/01/23/648688/next-subway-could-rise-in-cebu/
Palash, Khaza Ahmed. 2018. “1. curvature of track.” slideshare.
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/1-curvature-of-track/114488080#4
Palmera, Erica Jean. 2014. “The old Cebu Railway.” The Freeman.
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-lifestyle/2014/05/15/1323377/old-cebu-railway
