The Cebu Provincial Government is rolling out several measures to ease commuter congestion as well as provide comfort at the Capitol-run north and south bus terminals ahead of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day holidays.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced during her regular press briefing that additional ticketing stalls will be installed at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) to speed up ticket purchases and validation.
Ahmed Cuizon, administrator of both bus terminals, said two satellite terminals will also be opened to help decongest the main facilities — one for northbound buses at the Ceres Transport Garage at the Mandaue Reclamation Area beside S&R, and another for southbound buses at the Ceres Transport Garage in Kinasang-an, Pardo, Cebu City.
“We urge the people to take advantage of these satellite terminals if they are near your area.”
“On October 30 and 31, we urge the people to take advantage of these satellite terminals if they are near your area. That way, ma-lessen nato ang crowd sa main terminals,” Cuizon said.
To accommodate the expected passenger surge, augmentation buses will be deployed with special permits from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
“Para dili lang ma-congested, if we can plan our travel,” Baricuatro said. “Time it in such a way nga dili kaayo congested didto, so maybe you can travel early like kadlawn or late in the evening.”
The lady governor also directed the repair of air-conditioning units at the CSBT to improve commuter comfort, with additional electric fans to be installed for better ventilation.
An information display system will also be introduced at CSBT before Undas, featuring monitors that show bus details such as arrival and departure times, gate numbers, and real-time status updates — similar to airport displays.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, such as heavy traffic that affects bus turnaround times. But at least kung naa na ang display system, makakita na sila sa schedule, di na sila kinahanglan matingala kung nganong dugay o naay kakulian,” Cuizon said.
Before Undas, Baricuatro is also set to inaugurate newly renovated restrooms at CSBT courtesy of Topline. These restrooms will cater to males, females, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
At the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT), Cuizon said at least four portable toilets have been installed to assist commuters, while dilapidated tents have been replaced with new ones.
“The Capitol is in talks with SM City Cebu for a possible partnership that would allow the installation of a paging system inside a section of the mall.”
He added that the Capitol is in talks with SM City Cebu for a possible partnership that would allow the installation of a paging system inside a section of the mall. This would enable passengers to wait comfortably indoors while being notified of bus departures and arrivals, instead of staying at the terminal exposed to the elements.
Cuizon also shared that the Capitol is awaiting SM’s top management decision on whether to extend the usufruct agreement for the use of the mall’s parking lot as the bus terminal. The previous agreement prohibited the Capitol from introducing improvements on the premises, such as installing free public restrooms and other facilities.
After Undas, the Capitol will begin asphalting the front and back areas of CSBT, extending the terminal’s canopy, and renovating the second floor.
Over ₱11 million has been allocated for these improvements.
