In response to concerns over what others described as “overpriced fare rates” for sea travel between mainland Cebu via Hagnaya Port in San Remigio town and Santa Fe Port in Bantayan Island, Gov. Gwen Garcia has called upon the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), in collaboration with concerned local government units and shipping companies, to undertake a thorough reassessment of existing fare rates.
These after local government officials representing the towns of Santa Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos, sought Capitol intervention to address this concern and meet with shipping firms and other stakeholders regarding passenger and vehicle fares along this route.
Paul Rodriguez, CEO of Super Shuttle operator Asian Marine Transport Corp., clarified that while fuel prices and labor costs are pivotal factors in determining fare rates, the frequency of voyages plays a significant role.
Regardless of passenger occupancy, scheduled trips must be operated, with the Hagnaya-Santa Fe route boasting the highest frequency among similar sea routes, he said.
Island Shipping, for instance, provides 18 trips daily between mainland Cebu and Bantayan Island.
Company CEO Alex Tan, who was also present at the meeting, also explained that they invested in building bigger ships for this route, which is another factor.
Currently, Island Shipping’s fare per passenger is P300 while that of Super Shuttle is P359.
According to local government officials, fare rates along this route significantly surpass those of comparable routes to and from Cebu, despite similar distances and travel time.
Santa Fe Mayor Ithamar Espinosa; Madridejos Mayor Romeo Villaceran, Vice Mayor Vincent Villacrucis, and some councilors were present at the meeting to air their sentiments on behalf of their constituents who have been on the receiving end of high fare rates of marine transport to and from the island.
Bantayan Mayor Arthur Despi sent a representative to also convey that he shared the sentiments of his fellow mayors.
Marina 7 Director Annabell Lagas assured the governor and the mayors that they will coordinate with the concerned stakeholders to immediately find an agreeable solution to this matter.
This reassessment will consider a range of factors, including historical data, previous traffic patterns, inflation (particularly fuel prices), minimum wage standards, and other pertinent variables.
Stakeholders are expected to convene once more to deliberate on the outcome of the process. It is anticipated that these discussions will identify the establishment of revised fare rates that accurately reflect the economic realities and needs of both passengers and operators. The timeline for the implementation of these newly determined rates will be decided upon during these deliberations.
The initiative spearheaded by Gov. Garcia underscores a commitment to fair and equitable pricing within the maritime transport sector, ensuring that travel between mainland Cebu and Bantayan Island remains accessible and affordable for all, especially since it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Cebu. | CL