■ PEOPLE WHO SELL MOTORCYCLES DON'T GROUSE AS MUCH ABOUT TRAFFIC

A lot of people complain about heavy traffic in Cebu city’s south district, particularly near an underpass project site on N. Bacalso Ave. For some businesses, it has become a nightmare. But for at least one line of business, traffic congestion has also revved up sales. Motorcycle sales are up by 30 percent, says a Honda representative, as more motorists choose a bike over four-wheeled vehicles to avoid getting stuck in a traffic jam. The trend is true in other parts of the country as well and has become more pronounced in recent years, as affordable prices and access to credit encourage more people to buy motorbikes from nearly 30 brands available in the market.

With Cebu’s worsening traffic, especially along N. Bacalso Ave., more people are buying motorcycles.

Nathaniel Yburan, credit sales representative of Honda, said that there is a change in the growth of their sales since the traffic on N. Bacalso Ave. became heavier.

“Nisaka gyud among sales 30 to 40 percent (Our sales increased 30 to 40 percent),” Yburan said.

He also noted that riding a motorcycle means the commuter can avoid the traffic and the passenger can reach his or her destination faster than riding a four-wheeled vehicle.

Chino Castañares, a student of a university in the downtown area, used to spend almost two hours traveling from Bulacao to his school, riding a jeepney. But now that he is using his own motorcycle, he spends 20 to 30 minutes traveling.

“Grabe kaayo og tabang ang motor kay dali maabot sa padulngan, nya hayahay ra. Dili init compared sa jeep (The motorcycle is a big help because I reach my destination right away. And it’s not as hot as riding a jeepney),” Castañares said.

Bryan Albura, also a motorcy- cle owner, said that it is more convenient to ride a motorcycle.

“Better mag-motor kay makalusot-lusot ra sa traffic,” said Albura.

Yburan said that with the problem of traffic in the city, motorcycle dealers have taken advantage to the problem of traffic in the city, especially on N. Bacalso Ave.

The heavy traffic on N. Bacalso Ave. is due to the closure of a portion of the road as the construction of the underpass project in Mambaling entered its fourth phase last week. /

SUNSTAR FOTO / AMPER CAMPAÑA SELLING FAST. Motorcycle units are on display at a dealership on M. Velez St., Guadalupe. The heavy traffic has made some commuters opt to buy motorcycles to significantly cut travel time.