Fewer bus passengers seen for All Saints’, All Souls’ Day

THE management of Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) is expecting fewer  passengers for this year’s observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days  on Nov. 1 and 2, compared to last year.

Since the observance doesn’t fall on a long weekend, with Nov. 2, Monday still a working day, many city residents  opted not to go to their hometowns.

Preparations stil continue for the expected number crowd of passengers who go to the terminal starting this Friday.

Ramon Dumayac, acting operations manager, said they expect 15,000 passengers every day starting Friday to Sunday, Nov. 1.

“But that is still manageable,” he told Cebu Daily News.

Two tents will be placed in front and at the back of the terminal as a  waiting area for passengers to avoid lines running to adjacent establishments, which is a common sight at the facility during peak season.

Seven tents, regularly positioned at the back of the terminal during weekends, will also be used.

Aside from ensuring that there are waiting areas for passengers over the weekend, Dumayac also said they made sure their closed-circuit TV cameras are working and that security personnel are in place.

“We have more than 30 CCTV cameras operational within the terminal,” Dumayac said.

He said management will also request for 30 additional security guards inside the terminal.

CSBT also requested the Philippine National Police to augment the security personnel inside the terminal by fielding officers to ensure the safety of passengers.

Dumayac said they will enforce stricter security measures inside the terminal starting today.

CSBT management will also implement terminal traffic flow starting today until Nov. 2 to ensure that the terminal won’t be congested.

Last year, Dumayac said 300 buses were accommodated by the terminal and there were trips 24 hours a day.

“Ordinarily, this is sufficient. But during peak season, some passengers will have to wait. But they shouldn’t worry. They will get home,” Dumayac told CDN.