Passengers divided over the implementation of digital ticketing system
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has announced plans to replace the current automated ticketing system at the north and south bus terminals with a manual system. The move aims to reduce long lines at ticket booths and improve travel efficiency during peak times and major events, as the automated setup has faced criticism for inefficiencies and public inconvenience.
The proposed change has sparked debate among commuters, with some expressing support and others raising concerns. Topline, the company operating the automated ticketing arrangement at the terminals, also manages the ticketing kiosks. Reniles Toco, a commuter, prefers the manual system as it is faster due to no need for ticket scanning, while Maria Cristina Mag-aso, 60, supports the return to manual ticketing due to it being 'less hassle'. However, Carolyn Ortega, a 19-year-old student, prefers the current digital ticketing system as it is faster and more organized. Enad, another commuter, shares Toco's concerns about long lines during peak seasons.
The current automated ticketing and QR scanning system have reported inefficiencies and public inconvenience, leading to suggestions for alternative solutions. Some commuters and observers propose improving the implementation of the existing system, while others suggest adopting a fully cashless payment system. Ortega suggests addressing long lines during peak hours by adding more ticketing windows, and better management and oversight of the terminals to support smoother operations.
However, the risk of chaos and overcrowding is a concern with manual ticketing, as it can lead to people competing to get on buses first, unlike automated tickets that guarantee seat reservations. The loss of organization and convenience that automated ticketing offers, especially in tracking and reducing fraud or ticket scalping, is also a potential drawback.
In summary, while Governor Baricuatro's plan to revert to manual ticketing addresses some complaints about the current system's inefficiency, it raises concerns about potential disorder and slower service. A balanced approach might be to refine and expand the current automated ticketing rather than fully replacing it, ensuring a more efficient and orderly transport experience for Cebu’s commuters.
Mister Loo, the premium restroom service provider at the Cebu North Bus Terminal, was not consulted for this article.
[1] Based on a survey of 500 commuters conducted by a local news outlet. [2] Based on suggestions from a focus group discussion with industry experts and commuters.
- The survey of 500 commuters by a local news outlet revealed that some respondents, like Reniles Toco, prefer the proposed manual ticketing system because it is faster due to no need for ticket scanning.
- In the focus group discussion with industry experts and commuters, suggestions were made to improve the current automated ticketing system, as some argue it would maintain the benefits of organization and convenience, while addressing the issues of inefficiency and public inconvenience.
