Lesser budget for south bus terminal in 2018

The Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) will get a lesser budget next year compared to its current operating budget.

CSBT manager Joey Herrera said that from P37 million the terminal will be operating with P32 million budget in 2018 because they do not expect major projects next year.

The amount includes the maintenance operation and other expenses as well as the capital outlay.

"Bisan pa man og 32 million lang ang i-submit ron for Board members' approval, mahulog na nga in the event nga magkulang mag-supplemental lang," he said.

The terminal management originally submitted P42 million budget proposal for 2018 but was slashed to give way to other priority projects.

CSBT plans to boost its security measures by hiring additional personnel. Herrera said his office realized the need to beef up security due to several bomb threats. The terminal management was put in a tight situation early this year when they had to "augment security due to the threat."

Moreover, a canopy will be built in the entrances to ensure that passengers will not get wet upon entering when it rains.

The tents in the extended passenger holding area will also be replaced with tin roofs. The management wants to give the area proper insulation to better serve the public and give a good impression about Cebu's gateway to the south.

CSBT spent its budget last year to put up a P2.9 million information system. It is now operational and serves as a guide to the passengers on the trip schedules of the buses. The system is similar to that in the airports.

In addition, solar panels and a P2.3 million generator will be purchased to aid in the terminal's power requirement. According to Herrera, the power generated by the solar panels is enough to supply the whole terminal in the day operations.

"Karon, naana man siguroy winning bidder. Two months to proceed," he said.

CSBT targets the power system to be operational by the end of this year.