Sunday, March 16, 2008 South terminal stakeholders cope with new fees, layout
THE South Bus Terminal administration implemented Friday the new terminal fee, from P50 to P100, for south-bound buses.
Although there was no objection from bus operators, drivers and passengers complained about the rearrangement of parking place for buses and the changes in the terminal’s entrance-exit gates.
Byron Garcia, Capitol consultant on security, ordered a dry run of the new parking system for buses at the terminal. He also rearranged some of the buses’ parking locations purportedly for the convenience of passengers.
But many bus drivers and passengers were confused about where to park and to board buses. Several vendors occupying stalls inside the terminal also reported a decrease in their sales.
Garcia said they anticipated such reactions from the passengers, bus drivers and vendors during the implementation of the new terminal system.
But based on his observations during the first day of the new terminal system, Garcia said many passengers found it more convenient to them.
The old entrance gate now serves as the exit, and vice versa.
Garcia said the new terminal system is a part of his plan to transform the image of the terminal, such as increasing its terminal fees and stopping illegal collections by dispatchers.
Starting today, Garcia said all drivers and dispatchers must wear their prescribed uniforms when on duty, or face sanctions.
Carmen Quijano, action officer of the South Bus Terminal, admitted the new parking areas for buses provoked questions from bus drivers.
Some of the bus drivers complained that their passengers had a hard time finding them because they were used to the old parking locations, she added.
But Quijano is confident the drivers will soon adjust to the new parking system.
Based on their evaluation, the terminal’s management may still tweak the changes further, she added.
The new terminal system is an offshoot of a covenant signed by Capitol officials and mini-bus operators from southern Cebu, which aimed to end the alleged corrupt practices and unauthorized collection of fees by dispatchers at the terminal.
Part of the agreement signed by Capitol officials and Cebu Mini-Bus Operators’ Association president Nick Villahermosa also provides that bus operators will have to pay double the terminal fee, from P50 to P100. (GMD)
