Thursday, March 20, 2008 New South Bus Terminal system better for passengers: governor
THE new system at the South Bus Terminal is more comfortable for passengers, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said yesterday.
The governor inspected the facility and said the South Bus Terminal is now more orderly after the changes implemented by Byron Garcia, her brother and Capitol’s consultant on security.
Governor Garcia said passengers expressed satisfaction with the new system. She credited Byron for what she described as “impressive” improvements in the terminal.
Passengers, the governor said, now have easier access in boarding buses.
Garcia met with South Bus Terminal officers and Byron and discussed complaints earlier raised by bus operators, drivers and passengers following the implementation of the new system.
During the meeting, the governor stressed that the purpose of constructing the terminal is to serve better the commuters, not just for business.
“Our concern is about the riding public. All our operations must be done for their welfare and safety,” said Garcia in Cebuano.
The governor also ordered the complete rehabilitation of the terminal facility. She, however, said this will be done gradually.
Garcia said they are considering putting up a passengers’ waiting area.
The governor also thanked the Mactan-Cebu International Airport for donating 80 luggage carts to the terminal.
In yesterday’s inspection, the governor also looked into security measures implemented in the terminal. Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Central Visayas, Special Reaction Units and security guards are fielded in the bus terminal.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 also put up a public assistance desk at the terminal.
The governor, meanwhile, noted a dramatic increase in terminal fee collections after the implementation of the new terminal fee last week. The South Bus Terminal increased the terminal fee from P50 to P100 for south-bound buses last March 15.
Collection had gone up almost thrice compared to the previous daily collection, Byron said.
Although there were no objections from bus operators, drivers and passengers complained against the rearrangement of parking bays for buses and the changes in the terminal’s entrance and exit.
Byron ordered a dry run of the new parking system for buses at the terminal. He also rearranged some of the buses’ parking locations. Many bus drivers and passengers, however, were confused about where to park or where to board.
Several vendors occupying stalls inside the terminal also reported a decrease in their sales.
Gov. Garcia, meanwhile, said she prays for unity among Cebuanos, adding that they are now reaping the fruits of sustaining united efforts.
“Cebu is now soaring to an unprecedented height of progress and development,” said Garcia.
The governor also said that her personal prayers in the observance of the Holy Week are for strength and guidance “for personal responsibility in running this great province of ours and serving our great people.” (GMD)
