AUTOMATED TICKETING. LTFRB-7 regional director Eduardo Montealto Jr. delivers a message during the grand launch of the centralized and automated ticketing system at the Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, on Tuesday (May 18, 2021). Montealto lauded the project, describing it as an advancement in conjunction with the Department of Transportation’s effort to modernize public transport. (Screenshot from Cebu Provincial Capitol PIO's social media video)
CEBU CITY – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday commended the centralized and automated ticketing system at the Cebu South Bus Terminal, describing it as an advancement in conjunction with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) effort to modernize public transport.
LTFRB-Central Visayas regional director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said in a message during the grand launch of the terminal’s modern ticketing system, automating the fare collection system for south-bound buses will make the travel experience of passengers comfortable.
Under the new fare collection system, all south-bound bus passengers will be required to pay in advance their fare at a cashier stationed at the entrance of the terminal.
The passengers will be given a tap card which is necessary for any of the buses to enter the terminal facility, managed by the provincial government, on Natalio Bacalso Avenue.
“When we speak of innovation, it is because we want improvement. When we say improvement, we are on the right track towards change. Today, another milestone has fallen for Cebu province through this significant event, grand launching of centralized, automated ticketing system of Cebu South Bus Terminal,” Montealto said.
The project is a partnership between Topline Hi-Tech and Synergy Corp. and the Cebu provincial government, along with the bus operators. The implementation started last April 15, 2021.
The LTFRB-7 chief lauded the leadership of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, saying the move to automate the fare collection system for Cebu buses has operationalized President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to “give comfortable life to all Filipinos”.
Garcia, meanwhile, said the proposal to modernize the south bus terminal’s fare collection started when Cebu was at the height of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis and the national government’s health protocols and border restrictions to fight the contagion.
She said the project underwent consultations with bus operators and subjected to tedious scrutiny through the Cebu Economic Enterprise Council.
The provincial government awarded the ticketing system to lone bidder, Topline.
Garcia said all the bus operators using the Cebu South Bus Terminal have signed the memorandum of agreement to use the automated ticketing system for their passengers. (PNA)
