Cebu commuters could get additional bus services along two major corridors starting October as the Cebu Provincial Government prepares to roll out its P20-million Tabang PangByahe program.
The provincial government is coordinating with participating local government units (LGUs) to finalize designated bus stops and other operational arrangements ahead of the launch.
The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) met with traffic managers from participating LGUs on Aug. 27 to discuss proposed stop locations and other preparations.
The pilot service will cover two routes: Cebu IT Park to Danao City in northern Cebu and Cebu South Bus Terminal to Simala in Sibonga in the south.
The northern corridor will pass through Mandaue City, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela and Danao City.
The southern route will cover Talisay City, Minglanilla, Naga City, San Fernando, Carcar City and Sibonga.
Under the current plan, each participating LGU will have three designated bus stops to organize boarding and alighting and reduce passenger queues and waiting times.
Participating buses will also be required to meet service standards covering trip availability, vehicle cleanliness, passenger comfort and orderly loading and unloading.
A strict no-standing-passenger policy will also be enforced.
Despite its name, Tabang PangByahe will not provide free rides.
Instead, the P20-million subsidy from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will support additional bus operations along the two pilot corridors. A selected bus operator will receive the subsidy subject to compliance with the program’s service and operational requirements.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will provide technical and regulatory assistance to the province.
The program was developed amid challenges in Cebu’s public transportation system, including fewer public utility vehicles being deployed as fuel costs rise.
The provincial government said the subsidy is intended to encourage operators to add trips while maintaining standards for passenger safety, comfort and reliability.
Gov. Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro earlier described Tabang PangByahe as a province-led effort to improve public transportation in Metro Cebu.
During consultations with LGUs on June 5, Baricuatro said the provincial government wanted to significantly improve the commuting experience through its own transportation program.
Unlike assistance programs that directly subsidize fuel or other operating expenses, Tabang PangByahe will subsidize bus operations in exchange for compliance with specified service standards.
With the October launch approaching, the province and participating LGUs are finalizing the remaining details, particularly the locations of designated stops, before the buses begin serving the two corridors.
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