COMMUTERS bound for southern Cebu are now required to secure Quick Response (QR) coded tickets and tap cards before they can board a bus.
This after the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) unveiled its new centralized automated ticketing system.
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia formally launched CSBT’s new “cashless” and automated ticketing system in an activity held at the terminal on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.
Garcia said they will now fully implement the new ticketing system after months of holding dry runs and consultations with commuters and bus operators at the CSBT.
The new ticketing system was designed by Topline Hi-Tech Synergy Corp., which was awarded the contract to modernize the CSBT by the Province.
‘Suroy-Suroy card’
Under the CSBT’s new ticketing system, passengers will be required to buy a reloadable tap card or “Suroy-Suroy Card” for P100 before going inside the terminal.
They may also opt to buy QR coded tickets at the CSBT’s ticketing station.
The tickets will allow passengers to enter the terminal’s waiting area.
The implementation of cashless transactions at the CSBT is the Province’s way of protecting tourists and commuters going to southern Cebu from being infected with highly transmissible diseases such as Covid-19.
During the launching of CSBT’s new ticketing system, Garcia and officials of Topline were joined by 30 bus operators doing business at the terminal.
The bus operators also signed an agreement with Topline to formally adopt CSBT’s new system.
The Topline officials were composed of chief executive officer Eugene Erik Lim, vice president for operations Brigitte Carmel Lim-Mueller and operations manager Niño Sarabosing.
In a speech, Garcia described CSBT’s new ticketing system as a “shining moment” for the Province.
Its implementation is also a sign that Cebu Province is slowly recovering from the economic effects of the pandemic, Garcia said.
Carmen Quijano, CSBT’s general manager, said the new system will provide commuters more convenience and ensure that Covid-19 protocols such as physical distancing will be complied with.
The new system will also help improve security at the CSBT since those who have no plans of buying bus tickets will be prevented from entering the terminal, Quijano said.
Quijano said they will monitor the system’s effect particularly on end users and bus operators.
Aside from Garcia and Topline officials, Land Transportation Office 7 Director Victor Caindec and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. also attended the launching. (JKV)