The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will form a team that will assist Bacolod City in executing its local Comprehensive Public Transport Modernization Plan.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon gave the commitment during his meeting with Mayor Alfredo Benitez and other city officials at the Bacolod City Government Center April 25.
“What we have seen in Bacolod is frankly something that is very promising,” Dizon said in an interview.
He said the Public Transport Modernization Program is under a comprehensive review amid problems besetting its implementation, particularly the difficulties faced by drivers and operators in transitioning from traditional to modernized jeepneys due to financial challenges.
“We came here to see it for ourselves, and we clearly see that Bacolod can be a model for PUV modernization. To support this, DOTr has committed to providing everything needed to show that this modernization program can truly work if the right ingredients are in place,” Dizon said.
During the meeting, the city government presented key areas of concerns to improve the local public transportation system, including a review of the consolidation program; granting authority or deputizing local government units to apprehend colorum or unauthorized vehicles; approval and implementation of green routes; migration to electric vehicles (EVs); provision of financing options for e-jeepney operators; and establishment of EV charging stations across the city.
“We presented solutions for the modernization program. They have committed to support it. They will assemble a team that will coordinate with us for the execution and implementation of our proposals,” Benitez said.
The mayor is hoping that in the coming weeks, both the DOTr and the city government can already start working together with Land Transportation Office chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, and City Planning and Development Office head Mary Jean Ramos and their respective teams.
The city’s Local Public Transport Route Plan identified 24 routes for modernized jeepneys.
As of March this year, 605 modern units are plying the various routes along with 1,266 traditional jeepney units approved for consolidation.
There is still a shortfall of around 1,200 units to adequately service the 24 routes, based on the city government’s assessment. | PNA
