Airport management open to more bus operators

CEBU, Philippines - The airport management welcomes any public transportation that will be beneficial to the public just like SM's MyBus.

"Any public transportation that will benefit the public, we are open. They just have to ensure the right standards and specification just like SM MyBus," said Andrew Harrison, chief executive advisor of GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation. 

He added that bus connectivity is very important.

CITRASCO is planning to field 50 buses and one of its target routes is from the City of Naga to the airport. Harrison added that there was already a drop-off area designated at the airport for SM MyBus next to the yellow and white taxi lanes.

"So passengers will soon have an option. You can ride a white and yellow taxi and the bus right there in one location," said Harrison.

The Metro Rapid Transport System Inc., operator of MyBus, has pending four franchise applications before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for its 77 buses. So far, only three of its 77 buses were granted franchise and another four buses are expected to be given franchise within the year.

Out of the 77 units, 36 units will be plying from North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City to SM Seaside via Mambaling and vice versa with an applied fare of P25. There are also 22 units designated to ply from Talisay City to North Bus Terminal in  Mandaue City and vice versa for a fare of P40 and 11 units from Talisay City  to SM Seaside for a fare of P25.

There will be eight units from Talisay to Mactan Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City and vice versa for a fare of P75.

The buses has a capacity of 60-70 passengers and costs P8 million to P12 million per unit. It is considered High Quality Public Transport System and Bus Rapid Transit ready. —(FREEMAN)