Byron Garcia says: Mini-buses avoiding terminal is welcome

CEBU, Philippines - The management of the Cebu South Bus Terminal has assured the riding public that the move of some mini-bus drivers and operator not to use its facility will not affect their operations and is in fact welcomed.

Capitol Security Consultant Byron Garcia told THE FREEMAN that he was informed that some mini-bus drivers have stopped using the terminal.

It was not clear why some mini bus stopped using the terminal, but Garcia said the move of these drivers is actually a welcome relief.

According to Garcia, the terminal management has plans for some portions of the terminal than can now go smoothly with the mini-buses out.

“Kon dili na gayud sila musulod sa terminal, mayo hinoon kay duna kita’y plano pagamit sa bahin sa terminal nga taxi bay,” Garcia said.

Earlier, the Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association (CSMBOA) formally asked the City government to allow them to operate their own terminal.

Julito Flores, CSMBOA president, had sent a letter to Mayor Tomas Osmeña to grant their request after finding a piece of property for their own depot.

The group is eyeing a portion of the old Autobus terminal along Natalio Bacalso Avenue to be the exclusive station of their mini-buses.

CSMBOA has 58 member-operators with around 200 mini-bus units plying the towns and cities of the southern part of Cebu everyday.

According to Flores, they are asking the mayor to give them a provisional authority so that they can transfer immediately to their “new home.”

 It can be recalled that the mini-bus operators engaged the Capitol security consultant in a verbal tussle a few months ago.

 Mini-bus operators were offended by Garcia’s alleged dictatorial style and his comment that the province does not need their units in the terminal. — Jose P. Sollano/NLQ   (FREEMAN NEWS)