CSBT kicks off cashless fare system

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) has started using the automated ticketing system for passengers.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Eric Lim, president of the Topline Hi-Tech Synergy Corporation, led the launching of the modernized ticketing system at the terminal yesterday.

Also present were Land Transportation Office- 7 director Victor Caindec and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 7 director Eduardo Montealto Jr.

With the new system, passengers will have to purchase tap cards or the Suroy-suroy cards at the ticketing counter at the right side of the entrance of CSBT.

The cards can be purchased for P100 and will be used to enter the passengers lounge by tapping it through the turnstile installed at the terminal.

Since the cards are still limited and some of the passengers prefer one time tickets, they can purchase the one time QR code ticket at the ticketing counter, which will also be used to enter the facility.

Both the card and the QR code ticket will then be tapped again in a scanner before boarding the bus.

Inside the vehicle, there’s no need for the passenger to give fare to the conductor of the bus.

Garcia said the new system at the CSBT is “one proud shining moment” for Cebu Province.

“For the service itself, professionalizing ensuring proper controls and making the whole system efficient,” Garcia said during her speech.

Carmen Quijano, the manager of CSBT, said the centralized automated ticketing system is a great help at the terminal.

She said this will decongest the volume of the passengers inside the facility especially during peak season and it is also a plus for the security since only the passengers can enter the terminal.

At least 30 bus companies operating at the terminal have already signed a memorandum of agreement with Topline for the remittance of the collection of fair from the service provider to the bus operators.

Lim, in his message said, the launching is on time especially this time of pandemic since their system offers a cashless service. — GMR (FREEMAN)