South bus terminal now imposing P5 terminal fee

CEBU, Philippines -  All passengers bound for the southern part of Cebu province will now have to pay a terminal fee before entering the Cebu South Bus Terminal effective today.

 This was according to Capitol consultant Byron Garcia, who oversees the operation of the terminal, saying that passenger must pay the P5 fee as they now have easier to buses at the newly-refurbished terminal.

 Before the passengers can enter the airconditioned passengers’ waiting area, Garcia said he has to drop a P5 coin or five P1 coins at the turnstile and the official receipt that will serve as their boarding pass.

 “Mura na unya ni og passenger bus terminal operating like an airport that they will just wait for their bus to arrive,” Garcia said.

 Inside the waiting area, stalls with food and drinks can also be found.

 Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia earlier imposed strict rules in the terminal by regulating the presence of dispatchers and by demolishing stalls illegally erected in the terminal.

 Byron said the passengers will be safe from snatchers and pickpockets as cameras will be installed in the waiting area and the terminal as well. Pushcarts will also be provided to passengers who have bulky cargo.

 But the terminal fee got mixed reactions from the passengers.

 “Ka-mahal sab anang P5 uy, nganong dili naman lang himuon nga free ang terminal pareha sa North Bus Terminal,” on of them said.

 But some said they appreciate the new system saying they no longer have to climb up bus windows and wrestle with each other just to secure a seat.

 “Mas mahapsay na sab siguro ang dagan sa mga bus,” said a passenger who always goes home to the southern part of Cebu every afternoon after work.

 Byron admitted that they already expected some negative feedback from the passengers but said they will not be forced to get inside the terminal but just wait outside if they like.

 With the new system to be implemented, Byron said they can now monitor if buses are overloading and thus ensure passengers are safe.

 An entrance fee of P100 for every bus and mini-bus will be charged. — Garry B. Lao/BRP   (THE FREEMAN)