• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved on first, second, and third reading, under suspended rules July 1, the “Barangay Franchise Ordinance for Trisikads, E-Bikes, and Pedicabs of the City of Bacolod”.
The ordinance, authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos, sets the guidelines, procedures, and mechanisms for the grant of barangay franchise, or certificate to operate, in the operation of trisikads, pedicabs, and electric bicycles (e-bikes) within its territorial jurisdiction as a prerequisite to the issuance of a business permit by the city.
Each barangay may grant franchises or issue a certificate to operate for the operation of trisikads, e-bikes, and pedicabs solely within its territorial jurisdiction, Ramos said, adding the authority shall be exercised through the enactment of a barangay ordinance specifying the number of franchises to be issued, authorized routes, designated terminals, the franchise fee for each unit to be operated, and other reasonable conditions that the barangay may deem appropriate, such as fixed fare rate per passenger and the maximum number of passengers per unit, consistent with existing laws and ordinances.
The Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) upon payment of reasonable fee, shall produce, design, and issue a public utility identification plate for every trisikad or e-bike duly-authorized to operate as for hire, which shall be placed at the rear or front portion of the unit for proper identification, the ordinance states.
Ramos, chairperson of the SP Committee on Transportation and Traffic, said “the absence of a uniform policy governing the grant of barangay franchises, and emergence of electric bicycles as a mode of transportation, has resulted in varying standards and procedures among barangays, thereby necessitating the establishment of clear, consistent, and city-wide guidelines for the issuance, regulation, and supervision of such franchises”.
The city recognizes the need to establish a uniform policy to ensure that the operation of trisikads, electric bicycles, and pedicabs promotes public convenience, road safety, environmental sustainability, and orderly transport services, he added.
“No business permit, mayor’s permit, or any other local authority to operate shall be issued by the city unless the applicant has first secured a valid barangay franchise or certificate to operate” from the concerned barangay, the ordinance stressed. | CGC
