Cebu South Bus Terminal Centralized Automated Ticketing System Now Implemented for a Convenient Commute

Itching to travel to the Southern part of Cebu in the new normal? If you’re going to Simala Shrine in Sibonga, Whaleshark watching in Oslob, Kawasan Falls in Badian, Sardine Run in Moalboal or travel as far as Bacolod, Dumaguete or Zamboanga, then you’ll definitely begin your journey at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) in Cebu City.

Whether or not it’s your first time visiting the Cebu South Bus Terminal, something great is in store for you inside – a new and improved ticketing system. The centralized automated ticketing system at CSBT was implemented last April 15, 2021, after complete installation of equipment at the terminal by Topline Hi-Tech and Synergy Corporation, a Cebu-based firm that offers data processing and technology solutions to its customers.

With the province of Cebu’s continued strict implementation of health and safety protocols, the ticketing system comes at a critical time in the wake of the current pandemic, when a convenient, clean, and effective method of distributing bus tickets and managing the riding public is needed in the new normal. The aim of implementing a new ticketing system at CSBT is to replace the old method of ticket issuance, which often resulted in long lines beyond ticketing booths and traffic congestion during rush hours or during the holiday season in pre-pandemic days and delaying bus dispatch.

If you’re planning to visit the South, here’s a passenger guide for your reference.

1. Proceed to Metal Detector for Security Check

As per CSBT’s usual protocol, security inspection is observed. All passengers are required to go through the newly-installed metal detectors for tighter security measures.

If you have inquiries or should you need assistance, you may proceed to the Information Center.

2. Buy Card or QR Ticket at Designated Booth

Passengers will have to line up in any of the open windows at the ticketing counter in order to purchase a ticket. Only one person per group needs to line up in the booth and the rest of his/her companion may wait at the turnstile gates area. The ticket or transport slip will have a QR Code, date and time of issuance and travel, destination and designated bus name.

Please note that the new ticketing system will be implemented in stages to enable passengers to become familiar with the system first. As as result, apart form the smart cards that Topline will issue, bus tickets will also be sold at CSBT within the first month of implementation.

In my personal experience, bus tickets are still being issued in the bus upon actual travel and payment of fares is being collected by the conductor.

3. Tap Card or Scan QR Ticket to Enter

If you already have a Suroy-Suroy Sugbo Card, you can go directly to turnstile gates. As of May 1, Suroy-suroy Sugbo Card is not yet available so we had to present the QR Ticket for scanning. It was still hassle-free by the way.

4. Wait for your Designated Bus at the Waiting Area

There are two bays inside the terminal so please read the sign before going to the right direction.

Bay 1 includes routes bound for Dumanjug, Asturias, Tuburan, Pinamungajan, Balamban via Toledo.

Bay 2 is for Ronda, Bato via Barili, Oslob, Aloguinsan, Ronda and even outside Cebu such as Dumaguete, Bacolod and Zamboanga.

5. Tap Card or Scan QR Ticket for Validation Upon Boarding

If the bus is already available and is ready to accept passengers, then you’ll have to go to the scanning machines and tap the card or scan QR ticket for verification of details before boarding the bus. You’ll be guided a manned assistant for faster validation.

After scanning the QR Code or card, a route/bus change report or slip will be issued. Keep it for bus inspection or future reference. Exit the bay and head to where your designated bus is parked.

Now that you’re already inside the bus, the next thing to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Overall, I applaud the move of the Capitol in modernizing ticket buying, passenger handling, and management procedures through user-friendly technology that would truly assist the bus terminal and address the challenge during peak hours when traffic congestion is observed.