• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Tricycles in Bacolod City, whether private or for-hire, will soon have distinct markings and be required to register, either with the Land Transportation Office or the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office.
Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Transport and Traffic, is pushing for a clear distinction between private and for-hire tricycles, noting the need to enhance safety regulatory mechanisms for motorized tricycles in Bacolod.
“Establishing visible specific identifications and markings will enhance passenger convenience by providing clarity and fostering a safer and more organized commuting experience for the public,” Espino said in his proposed ordinance already approved by the SP on first reading recently.
Section 4 of the proposed ordinance that is up for public hearing soon states that a common color black shall be imposed for private tricycles, while those that render transport service to the public for a fee must be distinguishable through designated color schemes, or decals. A common color for tricycles operating in the same barangay shall also be imposed.
Owners of private tricycles must register their vehicles with the LTO, while those for hire shall secure permits/licenses from the Bacolod BPLO, considering that the issuance of tricycle for hire franchise, or Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit, has already been devolved to local government units.
Private tricycles shall pay an annual registration fee of P350 and filing fee of P50/unit to the City of Bacolod. Units for hire shall be imposed a franchising fee of P350, filing fee of P90 each unit, annual sticker fee of P50, and change of ownership fee of P50, the proposed ordinance states.
Fines shall be imposed on late registration of units, as well as on drivers and tandem riders caught not wearing crash helmet while plying the streets of Bacolod.
By enforcing clear distinctions, the ordinance intends to reduce the risk of accidents, and promote an organized and efficient transportation system that aligns with the broader developmental goals of the Bacolod LGU, Espino stressed. | CGC
