BACOLOD City- The transport strike or the “untat byahe” in Bacolod City did not cripple the transportation plying along Sum-ag bridge following the traffic congestion that still experienced by commuters in passing Araneta Street in Barangay Sum-ag.
According to Dennis Perma, spokesperson of Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is conducting rehabilitation and repair along the Sum-ag bridge which resulted in traffic congestion in the area.
Even though almost 90 percent of the public utility vehicles have stopped their operation to join the two-day transport strike, from March 21 to 22, there are still many private vehicles that are plying.
He said most affected by the traffic in Barangay Sum-ag are private vehicles and Ceres buses of the Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI).
The VTI earlier signified that they will not join the transport strike.
Perma said that there were 10 BTAO personnel that were deployed in the areas of Barangay Sum-ag. Two were assigned at the bridge, another two at the approaching entry points of South and North directions, and the rest were assigned at the corner areas, he added.
The BTAO spokesperson also said several personnel of BTAO were also deployed in the major areas of the city to monitor and implement the traffic.
The transport sector is holding a protest against the spate of fuel price increases.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia is appealing for sobriety as some transport groups stage the ‘People’s Holiday. “
The city government is offering free rides to government employees and the general public that may be stranded due to the transport strike.
The city has provided nine vehicles for those who want to avail themselves the free rides./PN
