• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod is studying a proposal from the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) of Capitol on the possible passing through of several jeepneys to the Food Terminal Market of Occidental Negros (FTMON), near the Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
The SP Committee on Transportation and Traffic, chaired by Councilor Al Victor Espino, accepted Wednesday a letter-endorsement from City Administrator Lucille Gelvolea of the proposal of Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II.
Diaz, also the EEDD officer-in-charge, in his letter to Mayor Alfredo Benitez, requested support “in exploring potential traffic rerouting solutions that could positively impact the accessibility and foot traffic to FTMON.”
“Over recent months, we have observed challenges related to traffic congestion and limited access routes surrounding FTMON,” Diaz said. “Despite our efforts to provide a diverse range of offerings and engaging events, we believe that improving traffic flow to our facility will significantly bolster our ability to attract more visitors and serve our target market.”
He proposed that the Bata-Libertad route for public utility jeeps and modernized buses take a left turn towards San Juan Street instead of to Gatustao Street.
“Given this option, we can make it easy for customers to be aware of FTMON, including the products and services it offers. Such alternate route may also help clear North Capitol Road of any roadside obstacle, and reduce the traffic in Gatuslao Street,” Diaz said.
He added that the presence of traffic enforcers could serve as deterrent to illegal settlers, who may be occupying areas that impede traffic flow or violate regulations along North Capitol Road. “Knowing that enforcement is active can minimize the underlying issues associated with illegal settlers and ambulant vendors.”
The transport hub for the Bacolod-Silay Airport vehicles, meanwhile, will start operating at FTMON on May 11.
There will be three trips in the morning, and four trips in the afternoon daily to the airport, the FTMON said in an advisory May 9. | CGC
