The city government is set to resume operations of the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) to accept passengers from different entry points starting January next year.

The IBT stopped operation upon the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in March this year because of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Derek Evangelista, IBT chief, said Monday the resumption of trips between this city and the various cities and provinces in the region and other parts of Mindanao is tentatively scheduled for January 16.

Evangelista said he already conferred with local officials of various cities and provinces in the region to discuss the opening of this city’s border for inter-provincial travel, adding that he also met with the officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to discuss on the matter.

Public utility vehicle operators such as the Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. (RTMI), he added, have also been briefed on travel guidelines such as passenger fares, time of travel, and curfew hours.

This city’s existing 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew hours have recently been shortened from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. for the “misa de gallo or “simbang gabi.”

Evangelista said that the initial plan for inter-provincial travel involves a point-to-point system, where buses would not be allowed to make stops along the way.

Passengers will also be required to secure Covid-19 test results and other needed travel documents to allow exit and entry into this city, he added. (PNA)