Archival allows point-to-point buses to stop near schools

Local

STUDENTS rushing to early classes no longer have to travel extra distances from Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT).

This after Governor Pamela Baricuatro convinced Mayor Nestor Archival to allow provincial buses to drop passengers near city universities.

“Ganinang buntag, nagstorya mi ni mayor and I appealed to him nga unta hunongan lang unta sa mga unibersidad like USJR, like CIT-U from the south…,” Baricuatro said during a press conference on Wednesday, September 17.

She also stressed the importance of implementing designated bus stops to ensure passengers can conveniently and safely access transportation.

The adjustment follows complaints from commuters and drivers over the city’s “No Stopping Policy,” which barred provincial buses from loading and unloading along the southern corridor, leading to longer travel times and additional costs.

Last Tuesday, CSBT general manager Ahmed Cuizon urged the Cebu City Government and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) to coordinate with provincial operators to smooth out the policy.

Cuizon noted that the terminal itself manages only activities within its premises, though the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) consulted stakeholders before the rule was implemented.

City Ordinance 2214 of 2009 prohibits provincial buses from picking up or dropping off passengers within 30 kilometers of the Cebu South Bus Terminal unless at a company’s exclusive terminal.

Violators face penalties from P1,500 for a first offense up to P4,500 for repeated violations, and vehicles may be impounded.

Temporary Operator’s Permits (TOPs) allow authorities to confiscate drivers’ licenses until fines are paid.

LTFRB-7 Director Eduardo Montealto said provincial buses are point-to-point from their origin towns to the CSBT.

He added that local governments can designate temporary stops for passengers, but indiscriminate roadside stops in areas such as Pardo, Basak, and Mambaling worsen congestion.

“Ang ako i-recommend (sa Cebu City) nga magbutang sila og designated area kung asa pwede maka-huong,” Montealto said.

Earlier, Archival emphasized that the stricter enforcement is not new, but the addition of TOPs gives the rule “teeth” to curb congestion.

“Kabalo ko sakit, kay kung ang bus bisan asa lang muhunong unsa may mahitabo?,” he said, noting that indiscriminate stops account for 60 to 70 percent of Cebu City traffic buildup.(MyTVCebu)