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

The initial modern suggestion to reconstruct a rail-based public transportation system in Cebu occurred when theJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) developedThe Roadmap Study for Sustainable Urban Development in Metro Cebu and presented it to theAquino 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 anautomated 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.^[1]

In 2019, JICA carried out and released a study titledProject 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 92.5 kilometres (57.5 mi). 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 toYurikamome) 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 themonorail.^[2]

In March 2023, PresidentBongbong Marcos sanctioned 194 key infrastructure initiatives, among them the Cebu UMRT.^[3]

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 inCebu City as the city would be part of the project's Central Line.^[4]

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 anelevated train system, similar toLight Rail TransitLines 1 and2 andMetro Rail Transit Line 3 inMetro Manila, was impractical due to Cebu province's “narrow roads.”^[5]

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.^[6]

The Central Line is a 67.5-kilometer (41.9 mi)^[7] or 65-kilometer (40 mi) subway, and will be built in two stages. It will pass throughDanao City,Liloan,Consolacion,Mandaue City, Cebu City,Talisay City,Naga City,San Fernando, andCarcar City.^[5] The planned project is expected to be financed by theAsian Development Bank (ADB).^[8]

The Coastal Line will travel through Talisay City, Cebu City, Mandaue City, andLapu-Lapu City.^[5] A complete length of 25 kilometers (16 mi) (13–12 kilometers (8.1–7.5 mi)), as stated by the JICA Study.^[2]

• Rapid transit in the Philippines
• Transportation in Cebu
• Cebu City
• Proposed public transportation in the Philippines

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