CSBT’s automated ticketing starts on May 5

CEBU, Philippines —  Passengers bound for southern Cebu need not have to endure long and coiling queues as the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) will start implementing a centralized automated ticketing system on May 5.

It was supposed to start Thursday, April 15, but was deferred.

CSBT manager Carmen Quijano said the postponement was due to the system upgrade and renovation.

“Ang rason gyud ana kay naa’y system nga gi-update ug ang renovation pud wala pa mahuman maoy ilang giapas,” she said.

The provincial government will hold a ceremony to launch the modern system at 10 a.m. at the terminal.

Last year, the provincial government signed a contract with Topline Hi-Tech and Synergy Corporation for the implementation of the modern ticketing system using reloadable cards.

The firm is the exclusive service provider and systems developer for the design, supply installation, operation, and maintenance of the system at the terminal.

Under the system, passengers will be required to purchase a reloadable value card called “Suroy Suroy Sugbo card” at P100.

“The reloadable stored value card can be obtained from the loading terminals for P100 for an initial value of P70.00 worth of load and a refundable deposit of P30.00 for the use of the card. The refundable deposit will be paid back to the passenger if they desire to return the card,” the contract read.

The card will serve as an access pass to the terminal using the automated turnstile installed at the gate of CSBT. It can also be used in purchasing bus ticket from a ticket Issuance Device and/or ticket validation terminal.

Tickets will be QR coded with two features --- the printed one which will be used by the passenger upon entering the gate of the terminal and the other one is thru a mobile application.

The memorandum of agreement between the Capitol and Topline is valid for 10 years. But in the second year, the Capitol can start to collect a fixed two-percent share from the total revenue. The company will also pay the province a non-refundable amount of P100, 000 as success fee.

The MOA conforms to the Cebu Provincial Board Resolution No. 2005-2020 dated September 21, 2020. — KQD (FREEMAN)