Terminal fee lifted, queing lines enforced

MORE than 20,000 passengers at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) had one less thing to worry about yesterday as they headed to their hometowns for the holidays.

Annajel Cabaluna, a 38, of Sudlon 1, Cebu City, said while she’s glad that she won’t have to pay the P5 terminal fee, she hopes the fee is scrapped for good and not just until the May 2013 election.

“It could help us a lot. It’s better that it be made permanent. We could save and buy enough for my family,” said Cabaluna, who headed to Asturias town for the long weekend with her family.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s order to lift the P5 terminal fee took effect yesterday.

Another passenger, student Frans Fuentes said it was a relief not to pay the P5 terminal fee.

Fuentes was headed to Malabuyoc town for the holidays. Governor Garcia visited the terminal yesterday to with police and local officials for an inspection and to see that  passengers line up to avoid overloading of buses.

“We don’t want to see people carrying babies and children through the windows of  buses so they can ride. Let’s ensure the safety and the convenience of the passengers first by imposing discipline,” she said.

Some  passengers complained of the long lines.

CSBT operations manager Carmen Quijano said their policy requires passengers to secure their tickets first before entering the terminal. He said yesterday’s turnout was 80 percent higher than in the past few days.

Quijano said they record about 12,000 to 13,000 passengers on ordinary days. She said it may rise to 25,000 to 30,000 until midnight last night.

With the terminal fee lifted, Quijano said the buses will start paying P200 each.

Security at the terminal was doubled with 40 blue guards detailed along with K-9 dogs and help desks.

Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) chief, said terminals should require buses to park first before they are boarded by passengers.

Priority cards should be issued to the elderly, women and children passengers. More closed circuit TV cameras should also be installed, Garbo added. /Correspondents Carmel Loise Matus and Jhunnex Napallacan and Contributor Joy Cherry Quito