Two-kilometer stops imposed on provincial buses within Cebu City, Capitol announced.
In an effort to address traffic congestion and improve commuting efficiency, the city government of Cebu has implemented a new policy for designated bus stops. This policy, which affects buses travelling to and from the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR) Basak campus, has sparked a mix of reactions from bus operators, passengers, and school officials.
The new policy, which has been coordinated with Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. and Gobernador Pamela Baricuatro, aims to streamline bus travel along N. Bacalso Avenue. However, complaints have been raised about increased travel time and the difficulty of commuting to schools and workplaces due to the new guidelines.
According to Mayor Archival, 60-70% of the traffic congestion in the southern corridor is caused by buses picking up and dropping off passengers. To address this, the city government has discussed the point-to-point franchise system, which will allow only buses moving from certain points to travel to the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT). Buses will no longer be allowed to stop anywhere along the city's roads; there will only be designated news stops.
The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) has announced a bus stop scheme for provincial buses, which will only be used for buses entering the city and not for those leaving. Temporary Operator's Permits (TOPs) have been issued to bus drivers, allowing them to operate until their fines are paid.
However, some operators have expressed concern about the new guidelines, stating that they were not consulted. No designated news stops have been established for buses leaving the city heading towards the south.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued stricter guidelines for provincial buses in Cebu City, prohibiting them from picking up or dropping off passengers along the southern corridor. This has resulted in reports of 20 bus drivers being penalized for violating the new guidelines. Previously, bus drivers were issued citation tickets, but these have been discontinued.
The policy is being enforced by the CCTO, Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the LTFRB in the "Discipline Zone" in Cebu City, which extends from the CSBT to Bulacao. Buses that violate the new guidelines have been reported to cause traffic congestion in areas such as Pardo, Basak, and Mambaling.
Discussions about the final locations of designated news stops are ongoing and will be decided by the Traffic Management Board (CAV). As of now, no new traffic route plan for provincial buses has been approved by the city. The city government is responsible for the final determination of the designated news stop locations.
Despite the initial challenges, most bus drivers are reported to be following the mandate. The CCTO has stated that the new policy is an important step towards improving traffic flow and commuting efficiency in Cebu City. The city government remains committed to finding solutions that balance the needs of commuters, bus operators, and the overall traffic situation in the city.
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