Cebu is slowly carrying out projects to help lessen traffic jams in the city.
Every city has its fair share of transportation problems. Poor infrastructure and the number of commuters and motorists can sometimes make you wish you stayed at home.
Fortunately, the authorities have set up a few projects in order to make traveling around Cebu much easier. These could all be long-term solutions to major problems that we face down the road. Some are already fully operational, while others are yet to be implemented.
Several of these projects include building new roads and bridges as well as ruling out public transportation vehicles that will make Cebu a much better place for drivers and commuters alike. Some of us have already seen the impact of these projects. We can also look forward to a brighter future for the city and the province.
As such, here is a quick overview of the government projects that aim to change how we all travel around Cebu.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Cebu’s road conditions can surely be improved. Some roads are too narrow and can only accommodate a number of vehicles.
An overcrowded road can cause extreme traffic jams, especially when there are no traffic officers available on sight.
Some projects offer alternate routes or reroute vehicles to other roads in order to lessen the cars lining up on the main highway.
The Mambaling Underpass aims to fix the transportation problems at the National Highway.
Opened in 2019, this 700-meter tunnel covers a much smaller area, but affects hundreds of vehicles on one of Cebu’s busiest streets.
The underpass can be found along N. Bacalso Avenue – the longest street in Cebu, stretching from the capital city to the town of Santander. It aims to reduce traffic congestion by dividing southbound and citybound vehicles.
Most buses and jeepneys take this route when heading south, while vehicles heading to F. Llamas Street can use the road above the underpass.
The CCLEX connects Cebu to Cordova, which is only a few minutes away from Mactan Island.
CEBU CORDOVA LINK EXPRESSWAY (CCLEX)
Mactan Island is one of the province’s most popular tourist destinations, with its bevy of beautiful resorts. The only way to get there is through either of the two Mactan-Mandaue bridges.
This is another one of Cebu’s busiest areas, especially during summertime, when tourist spots on the island are in full swing, or when travelers arrive from the airport.
Luckily, the highly-anticipated Cebu Cordova Link Expressway is set to open in 2022. This connects mainland Cebu to the town of Cordova, which is only a few minutes away from Mactan Island.
It’s accessible through Cebu South Road Properties, making it more advantageous for those living in the south.
Toll fees for the bridge are set to be at ₱85.
Modernized jeepneys provide air conditioning and an improved ticketing system for easier travels.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
As mentioned, several roads in Cebu can accommodate only a few vehicles. This has long been a problem due to the growing number of private vehicles in the city. You can say that there are a little too many of them.
A good way to lessen the number of vehicles is to promote public transportation. Improving this means of transport will mean fewer cars on the street and less traffic, especially during rush hour.
Although some jeepneys can get cramped and difficult to get on due to the number of commuters on a daily basis, they remain the most popular form of transportation in the Philippines.
Luckily, the jeepney modernization programs are in full swing. This aims to make vehicles more comfortable for commuters, with air conditioning, an advanced ticketing system, and a television to play movies.
Some modern jeepneys – sometimes called e-jeeps – also offer contactless payments with the use of a card. They also have handlebars and hand grips for standing commuters. This is mostly for when there are no seats available.
You can find these vehicles traversing along many parts of the city like business centers and local attractions.
Traffic in Cebu has always been bad, but the city is working on changing that. Infrastructure projects aim to minimize traffic jams, while plans for an improved public transport system can help alleviate the number of vehicles on the road.
Some of these projects may take some time before they impact the populace, but the Cebuanos know that this is a step in the right direction. Hopefully, in a couple of years, we won’t be experiencing the same transportation problems anymore.
