With the Christmas and New Year exodus looming, Cebu's main bus terminals are rolling out a strategic plan to manage the expected surge of passengers. The administrator for the Cebu South and North Bus Terminals, Ahmed Cuizon, made a public appeal on Friday, December 19, 2025, urging travelers to utilize designated satellite terminals and pick-up points.
Strategic Locations to Ease Congestion
This initiative, designed to bypass the heavy congestion anticipated on the peak travel dates of December 22–23 and December 29–30, involves activating specific loading areas outside the main terminals. For passengers heading to southern destinations, alternative boarding points have been established at the Ceres and Sunrays transport garages in Pardo and Mambaling, Cebu City.
Travelers bound for the north can now use loading areas near U.N. Avenue and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City, as well as the Ceres transport garage at the North Reclamation Area in Cebu City.
Ensuring Order and Safety for Passengers
Authorities are not taking any chances with the large crowds. To ensure an orderly and safe boarding process, personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) have been deployed to augment security and health monitoring at all sites, including the satellite points.
Cuizon emphasized that these additional points aim to drastically cut down long lines and waiting times, allowing for a more efficient boarding experience. The strategy of using satellite terminals was first tested during the recent Kalag-kalag (All Saints' Day) week and is now being expanded for the longer holiday period.
Coordinated Efforts for a Smooth Exodus
Final operational plans were cemented during a coordination meeting that included bus operators, terminal managers, and the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO). This collaborative effort is crucial as passenger volumes are already on the rise.
Cuizon noted that the current increase does not yet fully account for the traditional wave of students and workers traveling home to their provinces. He warned that a further significant surge is likely as the peak dates draw nearer.
"With the satellite terminals and pick-up points in place, passengers should experience a more convenient and orderly boarding process," Cuizon assured the public. The proactive measures aim to transform the typically chaotic holiday travel season into a smoother journey for all.
