RDC 7 to port execs: improve ticketing services

The Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 has enjoined all port authorities in Central Visayas to improve its terminal fee and ticketing system.

In a report during the full council meeting of RDC 7 last Tuesday in Siquijor, National Economic Development Authority (Neda) 7 Director Efren Carreon explained that procurement of the terminal fee system is ongoing.

In Cebu alone, the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) will meet with shipping lines to present the system next month.

The system will have a test run by October with three shipping lines as participants.

Shipping lines with existing computerized ticketing system can integrate the new system to allow them to issue tickets automatically.

Also during the meeting, several officials and private representatives raised concerns on the current state of the ticketing booths in different ports.

Carreon also expressed concerns on the inconvenience that ticketing booths, which are located outside the terminal, have caused to the riding public.

He said that in Dumaguete Port,

The ticketing office should be housed inside the terminal EFREN CARREON NEDA 7 Director

passengers have to fall in line in an area that has no roof, exposing them to the scorching heat or to the rain.

“The ticketing office should be housed inside the terminal. For example, in Dumaguete, rain or shine, you have no roof over your head when getting the ticket. This is really a big challenge for us,” said Carreon.

Most of the ticketing offices in the region, including those in Cebu, are located outside the terminal.

Businessman Glenn Anthony Soco, who is chairman of the Infrastructure Development Council of RDC 7, said that ticketing booths and all other transactions should be located inside the terminal to streamline the process of getting a sea ride, particularly in ports with tourist destinations. /