Tackling Traffic Congestion with Intelligent Transportation Systems in Metro Cebu

Cadmus Team Kicks-Off Intelligent Transportation System Master Plan Project in Metro Cebu, Philippines

Cadmus Company, Nathan, is leading an ambitious project to modernize transportation infrastructure in Metro Cebu, the second-largest metropolitan area in the Philippines.

Supporting Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure in the Philippines

Through technical assistance funded by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the Metro Cebu Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Master Plan aims to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and streamline cargo and passenger movement across the region.

Between March 11-22, 2024, a team from Cadmus, along with subcontractors Iteris and Transport and Traffic Planners (TTPI) Inc., traveled to Manila and Cebu to kickstart the project. This technical assistance activity was commissioned by the Department of Transportation of the Republic of the Philippines (DOTr) to develop an ITS Master Plan that will guide infrastructure investments in the near-term (0-3 years), medium-term (3-5 years), and long-term (5-10 years).

“ITS technologies can support more sustainable transport operations and generate environmental benefits,” said Rafael Enriquez, Cadmus’ project director on the Metro CEBU ITS Master Plan Project. “This project aligns with our strategy of supporting green finance and green infrastructure projects around the world”.

Metro Cebu, comprising 13 local government units (LGUs), including seven cities (Carcar, Cebu, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Naga and Talisay) and six municipalities (Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla, and San Fernando), has experienced rapid growth that has strained its transportation network. A 2019 study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) estimated economic losses due to congestion delays and increased vehicle emissions in Metro Cebu at a staggering PhP1.1 billion (approximately $20 million) per day.

During their visit, the Cadmus team met with the DOTr and other key stakeholders, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). They also conducted orientation visits across the 13 LGUs of Metro Cebu to assess existing traffic management infrastructure and understand traffic circulation patterns.

The Metro Cebu ITS Master Plan will identify intelligent transportation solutions to improve traffic management and control, enhance road safety, and advance efficiencies in intra/inter Metro Cebu cargo and passenger movements. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the project addresses the region’s mobility challenges and paves the way for sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation systems.

“We are proud to support USTDA projects like the Metro Cebu ITS Master Plan as it underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth and development through infrastructure investment. Cadmus is proud to contribute its expertise to this project” stated Sean Keogh, vice president of trade and investment at Cadmus.

In addition to the Metro Cebu ITS Mastre Plan Project, Cadmus is also implementing a USTDA-funded ITS technical assistance activity in Mérida, Mexico, further solidifying Cadmus’ position as a leader in sustainable transportation solutions worldwide.