Transport group questions operation of NRA terminal

CEBU, Philippines – The Alliance of North Bound Transport Workers Association is demanding investigation into the alleged malpractices at the North Consolidated Terminal located at the North Reclamation Area near White Gold Club.

The group alleged that the terminal's operations violated City Ordinance 1958 or the ordinance regulating the establishment and operation of terminals for Public Util-ity Jeepneys and V-hire vehicles in Cebu City.

The group alleged that the terminal displays no proof of accreditation or proof that it has ever complied with the accreditation requirements as mandated under CO 1958.

The terminal allegedly collects a fee more than what is declared in the parking ticket.

"In practice, terminal management issues a P10.00 parking ticket as terminal fee but actually collects P15 to P50 more than what is declared in the ticket," ABTWA said in a letter to the City Council.

The group also questioned the issuance of parking ticket instead of a terminal fee ticket.

ABTWA said less passengers use the terminal allegedly because it lacks the facilities that would ensure commuters' safety and convenience, a violation of CO 1958, which requires public safety, public convenience and the promotion of public interest in public terminal operations.

"In this sense, the north bound transport industry is not benefiting from its existence due to the absence of said passengers in the said facility," ABTWA said.

"The terminal has no clear policies in relation to management operations. It charges drivers penalties on alleged policy violation without subjecting such regulation to meetings and consultations," the ABTWA alleged further.

The Council authorized the establishment of a public transport terminal at the NRA in 2006 to cater to Mandaue City jeepneys that were prevented from entering the city's major streets, including Osmeña Boulevard.

The management of the terminal is supposed to give the city government 15 percent of its income. (FREEMAN)