Coasters to offer free rides to Robinson’s

Traffic near Pier 1 to 4 in Cebu City is expected to be extra heavy with the opening of Robinson’s Galleria Cebu on Thursday.

But this will be eased by the fielding of two coasters to transport commuters for free to and from the new mall starting December 10, Thursday.

Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) operations chief Joy Tumulak said he was told by Robinsons management of their plan to field the coasters.

The first coaster will pass by Pier 1 to 4 and head to Robinsons Galleria Cebu and vice versa.

The second coaster will travel from Robinsons Fuente to Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Tumulak said a standard coasters can carry 30 to 40 passengers.

“This will really help traffic because instead of riding a taxi, jeepney or private vehicles, if there’s a shuttle, people can just ride it. It can reduce the volume of vehicles on the road,” Tumulak said.

He said the routes were chosen since there are no existing jeepney routes passing through the areas.

Tumulak said though that he hasn’t been told until when the coasters will be plying the routes.

At least 30 traffic personnel will be fielded during the mall’s opening.

They will strictly enforce the no-parking, no stopping prohibition for vehicles along Gen. Maxilom Ave. Extension and S. Osmeña Road, he said.

Officials said they don’t expect the traffic congestion at the Robinsons Galleria opening to be as heavy as the November 27 SM Seaside City opening since the roads around Robinsons are wide enough and has traffic signal lights.

Starting today, Tumulak said clearing operations will be conducted to remove trucks and trailers parked along roads in the North Reclamation Area.