CEBU, Philippines — Navigating the busy streets of Cebu City can feel like solving a daily puzzle especially for students and first-time commuters. For Adrian Alquizar, that challenge became the spark for innovation.
Alquizar, a full-stack developer and fourth-year BSIT student at the Asian College of Technology (ACT), created RUTA, an AI-powered transportation guide designed to eliminate the guesswork from commuting. The idea came after he nearly got lost on his way to school an experience that pushed him to build a solution in just two days.
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“I came up with this idea because I am commuting for school and I thought about making a navigating app that would tell me exactly what jeepney code to ride,” Alquizar shared in an interview with SunStar Cebu on April 17, 2026.
Unlike traditional navigation apps, RUTA is tailored specifically to Cebu’s complex jeepney system. It provides step-by-step directions from Point A to Point B, calculates exact fares, and analyzes real-time traffic data to recommend the most efficient routes. Instead of relying on asking drivers or learning through trial and error, commuters receive precise instructions down to which jeepney code to take.
Alquizar’s development process was a sprint. On the first day, he mapped out the system architecture. By the second, he had launched a functional website complete with a waitlist. Now, he is refining RUTA’s core services and strengthening the AI’s decision-making capabilities.
One of his biggest challenges has been data.
“My main challenge right now is the data set for jeepney routes because there isn’t much official digital information available,” he explained. To address this gap, Alquizar has been manually gathering and refining route coordinates to ensure accuracy within the AI system.
Despite operating as a one-man team, RUTA has quickly gained traction. With graduation approaching, Alquizar sees the project not only as a public service but also as proof of his technical capability in integrating AI into real-world applications. To manage growing interest and demand, he plans to bring in fellow developers to help scale the platform.
To offset the high costs of AI integration, RUTA will initially offer three free credits to new users. Afterward, it will shift to a subscription model: P99 per month for students and P169 for regular users, each subscription providing 10 credits daily. Alquizar said using an API (Application Programming Interface) is the most sustainable approach for a student developer, as building private AI infrastructure would require significant financial resources and scaling costs.
Looking ahead, Alquizar hopes to present RUTA to the Cebu City Government. If adopted, the city could become its primary client, allowing the app to be offered free to the public especially benefiting tourists, students, and newcomers still learning the city’s transportation network.
Beyond RUTA, Alquizar’s technical background includes building enterprise systems, developing AI agents, and leading Webface Cebu, a group promoting blockchain education. He also founded the Hackathon Winner Project: Stock Finance, managing its financial systems as a solo developer.
In a city where commuting can feel overwhelming, Alquizar turned personal frustration into innovation. With RUTA, he isn’t just building a portfolio he’s building a smarter path forward for thousands of Cebuanos trying to find their way home.
RUTA: AI-Powered App Aims to Simplify Commuting in Cebu
A new AI-powered mobile application called RUTA is set to transform the commuting experience in Cebu City by helping passengers easily identify the correct jeepney routes, codes, and fare calculations.
RUTA was developed by Adrian Alquizar, a student from the Asian College of Technology (ACT), as a practical solution to the everyday challenges of navigating the city’s complex transportation network. Like many commuters, Alquizar experienced firsthand the confusion of figuring out which jeepney to ride and how much to pay.
Designed specifically for Cebu’s public transport system, the app uses artificial intelligence to guide users from their starting point to their destination with step-by-step directions. It identifies the proper jeepney code to take and computes estimated fares, removing the guesswork that often comes with commuting.
By combining technology and local insight, RUTA aims to make daily travel more efficient, convenient, and accessible for students, workers, tourists, and residents across the city.
OTHER APPS: Cebu Commuters Turn to Digital Apps Like JTransit, Grab, and RideHero for Easier Travel
Commuters in Cebu City now have more digital tools to make daily travel easier and more convenient. Aside from RUTA, several alternative mobile applications are helping passengers navigate the city’s busy streets and complex jeepney routes.
One of the most popular options is JTransit, a commuter-friendly app that features more than 60 jeepney routes across Cebu. The app provides route suggestions, helping users determine which jeepney to ride and where to transfer if needed. With its organized route listings and updated transport information, JTransit has become a go-to guide for many daily commuters.
Ride-hailing platforms Grab and Move It have also introduced a new feature called the “Jeepney Tile.” This tool displays jeepney route maps and corresponding codes, giving commuters quick access to essential public transport information directly within their apps. The added feature aims to integrate traditional public transportation into digital platforms commonly used for booking rides.
Meanwhile, RideHero offers another practical solution for Cebu travelers. The app allows users to track buses and modern jeepneys in real time, including information on seat availability. This feature is particularly helpful during rush hours, when commuters want to avoid overcrowded vehicles and long waiting times.
With the growing number of transport apps available, Cebuano commuters now have more choices to plan efficient and informed journeys around the city.
If you would like to know the list of jeepney codes for major routes in Cebu City, feel free to ask.
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