TALISAY CITY, Cebu (PNA) – The city government on Friday launched a new bus route connecting this southern city to the IT Park, a major business district in Cebu City.

This was after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) gave the go signal to Vallacar Transit, Inc. of the Yanson Group to ply the route from Tabunok, Talisay to the IT Park in Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

Transportation has been a major challenge for commuters here since major cities in the metro have begun reopening their borders after the months-long lockdown.

Most commuters from Talisay go to the provincial capital for work.

“I’d like to thank LTFRB for allowing a new route that will help our Talisaynons who are working in the city and also allowing public transport to cross to Cebu City,” Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr. said via social media.

Gullas said the new route starts at the city’s Alturas Tricycle Terminal.

Buses plying this route will have stops along Barangay Bulacao, N. Bacalso Avenue, E-Mall, Colon Street, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Osmeña Boulevard, Capitol, Escario Street, Gorordo Avenue, JY Square, and IT Park.

The fare is pegged at P35.

Gullas said that, initially, eight buses would ply the route from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“I have already expressed my desire to LTFRB that while I’m happy that there is a new route, this is still lacking,” he said.

Gullas also expressed hope that the LTFRB would soon allow traditional public utility jeepneys to again ply the Cebu City route to complement the new bus operation.

“Nevertheless, I really hope LTFRB will allow more to traverse this route. While Cebu City is gradually reopening, workers also need more transportation choices,” he said.

Gullas said he has instructed the city’s Traffic Operations and Development Authority to monitor the foot traffic at the terminal to see if there is a need to add more buses to accommodate passengers.