VAN-for-hire (V-hire) drivers and operators at the South Bus Terminal are appealing to Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro for a permanent and dedicated terminal after they were displaced following the closure of the southbound van terminal in Barangay Kamagayan, Cebu City, in 2023.
The terminal was closed as it violated Section 5b of City Ordinance 1958, which states, “No terminal shall be located within a radius of three hundred meters from a block that includes the central downtown area.”
In an interview on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Renil Gosarin, who has been driving for 15 years, said the situation has resulted in reduced passenger volume and higher operating costs.
Micheal Cristuta, 64, who has been a driver for 12 years, cited worsening conditions including cramped spaces and lack of proper drainage, which causes frequent flooding.
“It would really be better if we had our own terminal because it would be more comfortable. Just look at our terminal here—when it rains, it floods up to our knees,” he said.
Drivers’ concerns
UV Express Corporation-Moalboal Chairperson Alomuela Corre Jr., in an interview on Friday, July 11, expressed frustration over rising operational costs and parking fees.
The parking fee is P200 for 24 hours, regardless of whether the vehicle departs the terminal or remains idle.
“Our request is that if we haven’t departed the terminal yet, the parking should be free. The ticket should only be paid when we actually leave,” Corre said in Cebuano.
In a separate interview on Friday, July 11, Nelson Pocong, president of UV Express Subic Transport, said they have already taken initial steps to address the problem.
“Someone from our group has already started processing the necessary requirements regarding Kamagayan. They’re working on it so we can transfer there,” he said.
He said that the request was submitted shortly after the May 2025 elections, before the new administration took over.
“Our preferred terminal is really Kamagayan. If we get a chance to talk to Vice Mayor Tommy (Osmeña), we’ll request for a contract. That has been the plan among us operators of V-Hire,” he added.
Ticketing system
Several V-hire drivers at the Cebu North Bus Terminal also cited inefficiencies with ticketing services.
In a separate interview on Thursday, Dwight Pepito, 30, who has been a driver for 12 years, said the system has significantly affected their livelihood.
“Our earnings are delayed because the payment is issued through cheques. We only get our income weekly since having it changed into cash daily would cost us more. It’s inconvenient not just for us, but also for the passengers,” he said.
Junere Tancawan, 46, a driver for 15 years, said the Topline ticketing system discouraged passengers from entering the terminal.
“The terminal policies need to be changed. And also, the Topline system—it’s too much of a hassle. Sometimes there are even system errors,” he said.
Acknowledging the growing dissatisfaction with the current system, Governor Baricuatro said in a press conference on July 5 that the Capitol is reviewing its existing agreement with Topline and considering the return to manual ticketing as a more efficient and driver-friendly alternative. / John Mart Mabalhin, VSU Intern, Reydante Tinapay, HNU Intern