Terminal fee reduction Guv, operators to meet today

CEBU, Philippines - Bus and minibus operators are set to have a dialogue with Gov. Hilario Davide III today to discuss about their request on the terminal fee reduction at the Cebu South Bus Terminal and other concerns regarding the transport sector.

Julieto Flores, spokesperson of the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association said yesterday that they are optimistic that the governor will grant their request.

Both the operator-members of CPBOA and Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association are requesting a P50 terminal fee reduction from the current P150 to P100 per entry.

The groups already asked the terminal fee reduction from P200 to P150 last February 25, 2013 which was granted by then acting governor and now Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.

Both groups claimed the said fees as exorbitant.

Flores said that if worst comes to worst that their new request is not granted, then they will be forced to implement the approved fare of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board which is higher than what they are actually charging among the passengers.

“Mapugos gyud mi og implement sa approved fare sa LTFRB especially nga nagsige na ron og mahal sa presyo sa lana,” Flores said.

LTFRB approved bus and minibus fare few years ago at  P8.50 for the first five kilometers and P1.45 for each succeeding kilometer.

Currently, bus and minibus operators are undercharging their passengers by collecting only  P6 for the five kilometers and P1.20 for the next kilometers citing stiff competitions. — (FREEMAN)