BACOLOD City – Four routes of public utility vehicles (PUVs) plying this city will be affected if a proposed addition pushes through.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Region 6 for a dry run following the request by the Ayala Malls Capitol Central for its inclusion in the route system plying in Eroreco, Alijis, Homesite, and Fortune Towne.
In a resolution passed on Wednesday, the SP committee on traffic chair Councilor Al Victor Espino said the 90-day experimental period will take effect immediately once the LTFRB-6 gives its approval.
He said there is a need to conduct a dry run as it provides for the actual feasibility of the said routes, enables the evaluation of alternative routes, and ensures flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances.
The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office, on its part, expressed preparedness for the dry run.
Meanwhile, Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators, and Drivers president Rudy Catedral claimed the proposed addition would only create problems in the city.
He cited the need for additional PUV units and traffic.
This will also cause further competition for the existing jeepneys plying the Alijis, Eroreco, Homesite, and Fortune Towne routes, Catedral added.
He explained that the only difference is that the new ones are bound to the said mall, while the existing routes are bound to the Central Market./PN
