Chaos marks transfer to Citilink

CEBU, Philippines - Verbal altercations between mini bus drivers and traffic enforcers resulted in a commotion after the drivers refused to enter the Citilink Terminal.

Mini buses were no longer allowed to enter beyond the Citlink Terminal along Natalio Bacalso Avenue as mandated by City Ordinance 2214 forcing mini bus operators to transfer from the South Bus Terminal.

City Ordinance 2214 states that buses with sitting capacity below 49 passengers should load and unload passengers in designated jeep terminals in Cebu City.

Julito Flores, president of the Cebu South Mini Bus Operators Association, said they have nothing against using the Citilink Terminal. However, the Citilink allegedly did not have the necessary facilities like the South Bus Terminal.

According to Flores, the Citilink did not have loading and unloading bays but is charging them P100 per entry like that of the South Bus Terminal which is complete with the necessary facilities.

“Wala man nay klaro nga pasilidad ang Citilink. Masangad ang among mga sakyanan inig sulod namo. Usa pa sad, wala silay loading bay. Gamay ra sad ang ilang terminal (There is no proper facility in the Citilink. They do not have loading bay and the terminal is very small),” said Flores.

Although the situation at the Citilink yesterday was filled with tension, no serious incidents were reported. Traffic enforcers also exercised maximum tolerance by not apprehending erring mini bus drivers.

“We hope nga mapangitaan ni og solusyon sa CITOM ang among problema (We hope CITOM can provide solution to our problem),” Flores added.

Meanwhile, Capitol consultant Jose Ma. Gastardo yesterday said that the city’s banning the entry of mini bus beyond Citilink Terminal is hurting the Capitol’s income. Gastardo said the Capitol is losing the P100 per entrance fee of the mini buses.

There are 144 mini buses that used to enter the South Bus Terminal. According to Gastardo, the bulk of the income of Cebu South Bus Terminal comes from the rentals of bus operators.

Gastardo is planning to seek a dialogue with the city government and let the affected riding public be heard.  (FREEMAN)