Groups oppose buses from Talisay to Mactan

CEBU, Philippines - Transport groups are opposing the planned operation of 77 buses from SM Cebu to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Greg Perez, coordinator of the  Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide-Cebu,  said many drivers and operators of jeepneys,  taxi and bus will be affected if this pushes through.

“Daghan gyud makulban og kaldero ani og ipatuman gyud na og operate ang 77 ka bus sa SM. Unya ang atong gobiyerno, walay alternative livelihood assistance sa mga drivers nga maapektohan ani,” Perez said.

Aside from PISTON-Cebu, CITRASCO, the biggest transport cooperative in the Visayas, is also opposing the plan.

The Metro Rapid Transport System Inc., a joint venture of SM Holdings and Jam Transport, filed last month an application for the issuance of a franchise to their 77 buses that would ply a Talisay City – Mandaue City – Lapu-Lapu City route.

Rey Elnar, regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board-7, said earlier that based on MRTSI’s application, the 77 buses will operate in the following routes:

* 36 units: North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City to SM Seaside via Mambaling (P25 fare)

* 8 units: Talisay to Mactan Cebu International Airport in Lapulapu City (P75 fare)

*11 units: Talisay City to SM Seaside (P25 fare)

*22 units: Talisay City to North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City (P40 fare)

Elnar said the application is still subject to a public hearing, which will take place on October 16 at 9 a.m. at the LTFRB regional office.

Elnar said the buses are considered High Quality Public Transport System and are Bus Rapid Transit-ready. Each bus costs between P8 million to P12 million and has a capacity of up to 70 passengers.  (FREEMAN)