The Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) and Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), along with several auxiliary terminals, have been reactivated to accommodate the growing number of travelers heading home for the Christmas season.
Terminal administrator Ahmed Cuizon assured the public that both main terminals are on heightened readiness amid the expected surge in passenger volume.
Cuizon said passenger traffic is projected to peak on December 22 and 23, as well as December 29 and 30, dates traditionally marked by heavy holiday travel.
To manage the influx, transport authorities have reopened satellite terminals that were previously used during Kalag-Kalag Week, a strategy that proved effective in reducing overcrowding.
For southbound passengers, designated satellite terminals include the Ceres Transport garage in Barangay Kinasang-an, Pardo, and the Sunrays Transport garage in Barangay Mambaling, located beneath the flyover near F. Vestil and C. Padilla Streets.
Northbound travelers may board buses at designated loading zones near UN Avenue and the Marcelo Fernandez Bridge across from Wilcon Depot in Barangay Paknaan.
Another northbound satellite terminal has been established at the Ceres Transport garage in the North Reclamation Area, across from the S\&R Shopping Warehouse.
Cuizon said these alternative boarding areas aim to decongest CNBT and CSBT by dispersing passengers across multiple pick-up points.
He encouraged commuters to use the satellite terminals to avoid long queues at the main terminals, especially during peak travel days.
The expansion of pick-up locations follows the directive of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro to ensure orderly travel and prevent passengers from enduring prolonged waits.
Cuizon noted that the success of satellite terminals during previous peak seasons prompted officials to replicate the approach this Christmas.
To ensure smooth operations, coordination meetings were held with bus operators, terminal supervisors, and the Cebu City Transportation Office to finalize traffic and deployment plans.
Additional security, health, and crowd control personnel from the provincial government, police, and health offices have also been deployed to maintain order and safeguard passengers. (SBA)
