The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is exploring the possibility of building a subway in Cebu to combat the province’s traffic congestion. DOTr Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development, Timothy John Batan, revealed in a recent interview on Radyo Pilipinas that discussions about the project began with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in 2024. The subway is part of a broader masterplan by the DOTr aimed at improving public transportation and reducing road congestion in Cebu.
Batan emphasized that the project would undergo a feasibility study to ensure it meets the needs of Cebu’s residents. He highlighted the importance of involving the provincial government in the planning process to tailor the project to local requirements. The narrow roads in Cebu make elevated rail systems impractical, leading the DOTr to consider a subway as a more viable option.
According to Batan, constructing an elevated rail would be challenging due to the complex alignment required. Instead, the proposed subway would span from Danao City to Carcar City, covering a distance of 50 to 65 kilometers. The ongoing feasibility study is assessing the potential passenger capacity of the subway to ensure it can effectively serve the community.