Cebu Urban Mass Rapid Transit

The Cebu Urban Mass Rapid Transit (UMRT), also known as the Metro Cebu Subway, is a proposed rapid transit system in Metro Cebu, Philippines, designed to alleviate congestion in the metropolis. Upon completion, it will become the second subway system constructed in the country, following the Metro Manila Subway.

History

The initial modern suggestion to reconstruct a rail-based public transportation system in Cebu occurred when the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) developed ''The Roadmap Study for Sustainable Urban Development in Metro Cebu'' and presented it to the Aquino administration in April 2015. JICA presented a five-line concept as a component of the research. The plan featured four MRT lines: North, South, Central, and Mactan lines, in addition to an automated guideway transit line called the AGT-CML Line. The initial line to be developed was the AGT-CML Line, aimed for completion by 2021, succeeded by the MRT Central Line planned for between 2021 and 2030. The remaining MRT lines are scheduled to launch by 2050.

In 2019, JICA carried out and released a study titled ''Project on Master Plan Study and Institutional Development on Urban Transport System in Metro Cebu'', proposing the UMRT System, which includes two lines with an overall network length of . The UMRT Central Line needs to be created along the central corridor before the UMRT Coastal Line. After this, the Coastal Line is set to be developed along the maritime route. The research indicates that among the choices of rolling stock, Traditional MRT transports more passengers than any other urban rail systems. The passenger capacity of an MRT train (heavy rail) car is roughly 250 individuals. A train consisting of 10 cars is capable of carry 50,000 travelers each hour if run every 3 minutes. The passenger capacity of the Japanese standard AGT is approximately 80 individuals. An AGT operating with a 6-car train (similar to Yurikamome) has the capacity to carry 9,600 passengers if functioned every 3 minutes. Oversized AGT vehicle from a Japanese manufacturer holds 100 passengers per car, a number that matches that of the monorail.

In March 2023, President Bongbong Marcos sanctioned 194 key infrastructure initiatives, among them the Cebu UMRT.

On July 10, 2024, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary Leonel De Velez outlined the scheme to the City Council and conveyed their desire to carry out a feasibility study in Cebu City as the city would be part of the project's Central Line.

In January 2025, in a radio interview, Transportation Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development Timothy John Batan stated that constructing an underground railway was determined to be the solution to alleviate traffic in the Central Visayas province. He stated that an elevated train system, similar to Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 in Metro Manila, was impractical due to Cebu province's “narrow roads.”

Route

The suggested underground network seeks to alleviate traffic congestion, shorten travel durations, enhance connectivity, upgrade passenger and commuter services, bolster climate resilience, and offer more accessible public transport for vulnerable populations and those with restricted mobility.

Central Line

The Central Line is a or subway, and will be built in two stages. It will pass through Danao City, Liloan, Consolacion, Mandaue City, Cebu City, Talisay City, Naga City, San Fernando, and Carcar City. The planned project is expected to be financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Coastal Line

The Coastal Line will travel through Talisay City, Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City. A complete length of (), as stated by the JICA Study.

References

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Transportation in Cebu
Cebu City
Proposed public transportation in the Philippines