Once expanded: “CSBT’s income to triple”

CEBU, Philippines- Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) operations manager Ramon Dumayac believes that if the terminal is expanded, its income will be doubled, if not tripled.

“If we expand our amenities, mo-boost pud atong income. From P70 million, posible makahimong P200 million,” he said.

From January to July this year, the terminal earned P38.5 million, an income which is expected to double by December, said Dumayac.  He said there is a “captive market” for the terminal especially that every year, passenger volume increases.

At present, Dumayac said the 1.1-hectare property accommodates 337 buses which cater to at least 57,292 passengers a day, assuming the buses are full.

“Nagkaanam kadaghan ang tawo sa Cebu City,” Dumayac said referring to Cebu City residents who frequently travel to the south and back.

Dumayac said he already submitted a P100-million budget proposal to the Capitol for the proposed expansion. If the proposal is approved, he said they may loan at Landbank or use the terminal’s income.

Last year, CSBT earned P63 million including P20 million in operating expenses, leaving a hefty P40 million in net profit.

Dumayac said they are also considering putting a lodging house for passengers who need to wait at the terminal for hours.

He said more stalls, loading bays and other income-generating facilities will also be added.

For this year, CSBT’s top grosser is the terminal fees from buses which reached P23 million. Stall rental has generated P5 million for the last seven months, while the comfort rooms’ P5 fee has gained P4 million.

Dumayac said he proposed to Governor HilarioDavide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale his plan to upgrade the toilets to automatic flash, but with the needed P10-million budget (each boil is said to cost around P200,000), Davidereportedly told him to just constantly have people clean the bowls at all times to ensure these are clean. (FREEMAN)