Dad questions absence of alternative transpo at airport arrival area

The Cebu City council yesterday questioned the absence of alternative transportation at the Mactan Cebu International Airport after a city councilor reported that taxicabs are not allowed at the airport’s arrival area, thereby depriving arriving passengers of affordable transportation.

In a privilege speech, Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa recounted his experience over the holidays wherein he said he did not have any choice but to take a car for rent that costs more than what a regular taxi metered rate costs because no taxicab was available at the arrival area.

While taxicabs can bring passengers to the departure area, only private cars for rent that costs at least P300 are allowed at the arrival area. Abellanosa said the situation is very inconvenient to both local and foreign tourists and even to Cebuanos who do not have their own vehicles to fetch them.

Because of this, an arriving passenger either takes a car for rent or walk to the upper level of the airport, with baggage in tow, just to get a cab at the departure area. A more tedious option is to walk towards the nearest hotel or take a tricycle at the outskirts of the airport.

“It is ironic that upon arrival, local tourists get discouraged… we should urge MCIAA to provide honest-to-goodness transportation at the airport,” Abellanosa said.

He reasoned that many are opting for the lower rates offered by airlines these days to be able to save travel money, however, it is disheartening that upon arrival at the Mactan airport, passengers would also have to spend a lot just to get to the city.

Hearing Abellanosa’s concern, Vice Mayor Michael Rama said it is but proper for the airport authority to explain the situation, which affects many Cebuanos and especially tourists.

“We should insist because the airport is a venue where people troop…what authority does the present management has to restrict us to use only the present kind of transportation? What is their logic?” Rama said.

The city council then resolved to invite to its session next week representatives from the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority to explain the scenario and discuss options. The council also invited representatives from the regional office of the Department of Tourism and the local tour guides group to be present during the discussion.

Councilors Hilario Davide III and Raul Alcoseba suggested that aside from taxicabs, the airport management should also consider the possibility of providing public buses that could transport passengers from the arrival area to Cebu City. — Joeberth M. Ocao/QSB