GOV. Pamela Baricuatro announced on Monday, July 7, 2025, that the Cebu Provincial Government is considering a return to a manual ticketing system at both the north and south bus terminals. The potential change stems from reported inefficiencies and public inconvenience with the current automated setup.
During a press conference at the Capitol, Baricuatro specifically highlighted issues with the automated ticketing arrangement operated by Topline, noting that long lines are common, especially at the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) where typically only two automated booths are open.
“The system is inefficient. Most likely we will remove it after officially talking with Topline,” she told reporters. Baricuatro added that the terminal management group had themselves proposed the shift back to manual ticketing due to persistent commuter complaints.
The governor also clarified that the Capitol is actively reviewing its existing contracts with Topline, which manages the ticketing kiosks, and Mister Loo, the premium restroom service provider at the CNBT.
Baricuatro said the Provincial Treasurer’s Office has assured her that a return to manual ticketing will not negatively impact revenue collection, as the terminals’ income primarily comes from entrance fees collected from buses, not from the automated system.
A previous SunStar Cebu report detailed the Provincial Government’s agreement with Topline for the use of the “Topline Travel App” at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), located on N. Bacalso Ave. in Cebu City. The app allows passengers to check bus schedules and routes and purchase tickets online, with funds then remitted to bus companies. The intent was to reduce lines at the terminals. Conversely, a manual ticketing system would involve passengers lining up at the terminal, with tickets issued as buses depart.
On the matter of restroom access, Baricuatro reiterated her commitment to making public comfort rooms free of charge, aligning with her Executive Order 12, which mandates free use of regular public restrooms in provincial terminals. However, she acknowledged that implementing this hinges on the legal provisions of the current contract with Mister Loo.
“We are still looking into the legalities. If the contract does not allow public use, we will just build our own public toilet,” she said, expressing frustration over the lack of a proper turnover during the administration’s transition period. “Had we been given time for the transition – two weeks, three weeks – we could have fixed it by now. Give us time to work on it.”
Baricuatro confirmed that her legal team is now studying the agreements to determine the Province’s next steps. A collaborative meeting with Topline has already taken place, but no final resolution has been reached.
Should no compromise be achieved, the Capitol is considering the construction of a fully public restroom facility at the CNBT to comply with the governor’s policy directive. / JPS