V-hire drivers refuse to transfer to SM

CEBU, Philippines - Unless Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama personally orders them, drivers of van-for-hire (V-hire) at the Compania Maritima will not transfer terminal to SM Seaside City Cebu at the South Road Properties.

The group of drivers plying the southbound route and using a lot near the Compania Maritima building as temporary terminal was supposed to transfer at SM Seaside Cebu City yesterday as per order of the City Hall.

But a V-hire driver, who requested anonymity, said he would prefer for Rama to personally meet and command them to transfer at the SRP mall.

“Wala naman gyud mi mabuhat ani, wala na man sad mi choice, aware sad mi nga karon (yesterday) mi mobalhin, pero maghuwat mi nga naa gyu’y moanhi unya musulti namo nga mobalhin na mi didto, kanang i-close gyud ni nila ba. Pero mas okay gyud nga si Mayor Mike Rama ang moduol namo,” he said.

The transfer of terminal would also translate to a decrease in the number of passengers, the driver added.

“Mogamay na lang gyud ang among pasahero kay dili na morisgo ang mga pasahero og lain na sad nga plete,” he said.

Daphne Daffodil Quiachon, one of the passengers yesterday said that commuters prefer V-hires to avoid being late for work or school.

If the terminal will be moved to SM Seaside City Cebu, she said, this would mean additional cost for the passengers.

“Ni-risk na gali mi og bayad og mahal para lang maabot dayon unya ibalhin na nuon sa SM. Kasagaran commuters sa V-hire are employees and are working in private companies in Cebu City and some are up north,” she said.

V-hire terminal should be located near the city, if not in the center of it, she said.

“Ang amo lang mga pasahero is to avoid lates, or worse, absences,” she added.

Some of the passengers said that should the terminal be really transferred to SM Seaside City Cebu, it would be more accessible and convenient for them in going to Cebu City if there are Public Utility Jeepneys plying near the mall.

City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said the Cebu City Transportation Office will issue preachment for drivers to transfer at the new terminal.

She added that signage and tarpaulins will be placed in Compania Maritima to indicate that the area is already closed for V-hire drivers.

Rama, in a press conference, said he will find time for the drivers and set a schedule for the meeting. — (FREEMAN)