We’re happy to be back home after a rather long trip, but before we could even settle down yesterday, we received a call from a reader at around 11:30 a.m. to complain about the traffic situation under the overpass (flyover) near the Cebu Business Park.
The reader said that the traffic situation in that area could be easily managed if only the CITOM will field an enforcer.
Unfortunately, yesterday, there was none in sight said the reader. This is the reason why the flow of vehicles was stalled as drivers tried to get past each other.
Maybe the CITOM can find ways to make sure there is always somebody in this area to help direct the flow of traffic.
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After staying in Cagayan de Oro for a week, we noticed that their taxi drivers seem to be very courteous and often charge you what is on the meter.
We did, however, receive reports of those who insist on asking for P300 from the airport to the downtown area and back, which would have cost less than P200 if the meter would be used.
This reminded us of our very sad experience outside the pier area of Cebu last year when we came home from a brief trip to Bohol.
This same problem was raised by a tourist and the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) has acted on the matter. We still want to check if indeed there is now a system in place.
It is important for any place to have a good public transport system in order to attract visitors. If you have taxi drivers that prey on the travelers then you can kiss your tourism plans goodbye.
No matter how nice the tourist spots are, the visitors won’t come if they don’t feel safe.
This is one reason for the success of the tourism program in Bohol as it seems that the people there are very friendly to tourists.
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The same cannot be said of Metro Manila with regards to being kind to travelers.
Inside the terminal of Victory Liner, you have people there preying on travelers who arrive from the long bus trips.
Aside from people who offer you their ‘taxis’ to ride on, there are also others, who would suddenly grab your bag or bags and take them to the waiting vehicle then later would ask money from you. If you insist on not allowing them, they snarl and get angry. We pity those who can easily be bullied as definitely it is not going to be a pleasant experience.
These acts are being tolerated because the government probably doesn’t care.
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A reader complained about vehicles parked on the sides of the narrow roads around the city.
She pointed out the streets on barangays Camputhaw and Lahug where there are often many vehicles parked especially at lunchtime as the drivers eat at the small roadside eateries.
We also noted the same problem at Jakosalem St. near corner R. Landon St. where even police vehicles can be seen parking on a NO PARKING zone as there is an eatery in the area.
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For your comments, complaints, and suggestions please feel free to contact us at 2531276 or 2538613 local 237.
You can also send email to nimrod@mozcom.com.