Cebu slashes transport operators' terminal fees amid rising fuel costs

Local

By MyTVCebu Desk

TRANSPORT operators passing through Cebu’s major bus terminals will pay less in fees over the next three months.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro on Wednesday, March 25, announced the reduced terminal charges, which took effect immediately and will remain in place until June 24, 2026.

The adjusted rates bring bus terminal fees down from ₱250 to ₱200, V-hire fees from ₱200 to ₱150, and taxi entry fees from ₱20 to ₱10.

“We lowered the price adjustments… We are starting today,” Baricuatro said, confirming that the changes apply to both the Cebu North and South Bus Terminals.

For drivers and operators, the reduction offers some breathing room at a time when fuel costs continue to climb.

“It’s going to be a big help to them. With the rising fuel prices, makatabang gyud ni nila,” the governor added.

While the province had previously explored scrapping taxi terminal fees altogether, Baricuatro said legal constraints prevented a full removal.

“For the longest time we wanted to remove the ₱20 taxis, but this is an ordinance so we cannot touch it. So we can only lower it to ₱10,” she explained.

Instead, the province opted for a temporary reduction—one that officials say could still ease daily expenses for drivers who regularly pass through the terminals.

The three-month window is designed as an initial intervention, with the possibility of extension depending on its impact.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said provincial officials agreed the measure was justified given current economic pressures.

“It’s reasonable by the order of the governor since everyone is experiencing crisis now… we can extend based on assessment after three months,” Empaces said.

Lower fees, however, mean reduced income for the province.

During the same briefing, Cebu Province Bus Terminal Administrator Ahmed Cuizon, the shared initial estimates showing that Cebu could incur a monthly shortfall of around ₱1.4 million to ₱1.5 million due to the rate cuts.

The figures are based on average daily terminal activity: about 550 bus trips, 60 V-hire trips, and roughly 1,200 taxi movements in and out of the terminals.

Still, Cuizon downplayed the financial impact.

He emphasized that terminal operations are meant to provide public service rather than generate profit.

“We do not consider it a loss… the terminal is intended for service, not profit,” Cuizon said.

He also noted that collections are mainly used to fund personnel and equipment.

The fee reduction is one of several steps being taken by the provincial government to support the transport sector.(TGP)