The decision by the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association to acquire their own fleet of buses to service routes covered by the SM MyBus units is not only practical but a welcome development.
Their decision may not have stemmed from their acceptance that the riding public supports the operation of air-conditioned European-made MyBus units, but from their realization that leveling up is a better response than trying to block buses classified as high-quality public transport.
It’s a relief to see the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) decide to allow an initial three SM MyBus units to ply the Mambaling to Talisay route to reach the new SM Seaside City mall.
You can’t stop hordes of shoppers and plainly curious Cebuano consumers from going to the newest, largest mall in Cebu to check it out.
Whether they come back for repeat visits, not to just sightsee, but to buy, dine in and patronize the services of retail outlets there, enough times to make the multi-billion investment worth it, is something SM has to ensure for the long term.
Meeting that challenge starts with the basic requirement of getting people to the site.
No company, even a retail giant like SM can subsidize free rides to Seaside City indefinitely.
Today, the “free” shuttle of the franchised bus units will be replaced by a P25 fare. It’s either that, or a taxi ride, a trip by private car or a habal-habal ride.
Will thrifty Cebuanos consider P25 worth a ride on a brand-new airconditioned bus?
The challenge of making consumer and vendor meet, begins.
This early, the heavy volume of traffic to the South Road Properties is a good sign for the company. The interest is hoped to peak during Christmas and extend to the Sinulog in January, with added interest from the arrival of 15,000 delegates to Cebu for the Cebu International Eucharistic Congress in the same month.
The other side of the coin is uncontrolled traffic.
Last Friday’s monster traffic jam and succeeding congestion showed that much needs to be done to ease vehicle flow, and ensure fast and safe travel for motorists and commuters alike.
Proposals like removing the center island and opening more U turns are being floated by the Cebu City Traffic Operations Office (CCTO), but widening the road alone doesn’t guarantee smooth traffic flow.
We need better discipline and respect for rules by all parties. Both motorists and public transportation operators should cooperate and stringently follow traffic rules to make their lives on the road much easier.