TO DECLOG the entrance gates of the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia wants to install X-ray machines to scan bags and other packages of passengers who are going to their hometowns.

It was expected that around 50,000 persons would flock to the CSBT to catch bus rides to their towns where they would spend their All Saints’ Day on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, and All Souls’ Day on Saturday, Nov. 2.

To ensure that no passenger gets stranded, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said he issued 67 special permits to public utility and tourist buses, allowing these to transport passengers to any part of Cebu. The special permits will expire after the holiday.

Montealto led his personnel in inspecting the buses. The two units they found without a franchise were not allowed to travel on Thursday, Oct. 31.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7 and its trained dogs also helped inspect bags and cargoes, making sure that no contraband, including illegal drugs, would be sneaked inside buses.

Avoiding congestion

The X-ray machines would make the inspection of baggage quicker, preventing a possible congestion of commuters at the terminal’s entrance. Authorities advised commuters not to carry sharp objects and firearms.

Garcia inspected the CSBT on Thursday morning. She was accompanied by other government officials.

The governor asked commuters for their understanding after the CSBT management implemented a new system—only ticket holders are now allowed inside the terminal. However, Montealto praised Garcia’s system, saying it precedes the public utility vehicle modernization program of the National Government. The program, which will be in full swing by mid-2020, will implement the online booking of tickets.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7, for its part, will also apprehend drivers of buses that are overloaded. It reminded drivers that they cannot exceed the carrying capacity of their buses. A violator faces a fine of P1,078.

Commuters who have complaints against drivers and conductors can call the LTO 7: 0927-872-7235, 0923-155-0777 and 0921-258-6770. FROM ANV OF SUPERBALITA CEBU / KAL