Bacolod City: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will form a team that will assist this highly-urbanized city in executing its local Comprehensive Public Transport Modernization Plan. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon gave the commitment during his meeting with Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and other city officials at the Bacolod City Government Center on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon emphasized the potential of Bacolod City as a model for the Public Transport Modernization Program. The program is currently under a comprehensive review due to challenges faced by drivers and operators in transitioning from traditional to modernized jeepneys, primarily because of financial difficulties. Dizon stated, "We came here to see it for ourselves, and we clearly see that Bacolod can be a model for PUV modernization. To support this, DOTr has committed to providing everything needed to show that this modernization program can truly work if the right ingredients are in place."
During the meeting, the city government highlighted several key areas of concern to improve the local public transportation system. These included a review of the consolidation program, granting authority or deputizing local government units to apprehend unauthorized vehicles, approval and implementation of green routes, migration to electric vehicles (EVs), provision of financing options for e-jeepney operators, and the establishment of EV charging stations across the city.
Mayor Benitez expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, "We presented solutions for the modernization program. They have committed to support it. They will assemble a team that will coordinate with us for the execution and implementation of our proposals." The mayor hopes that in the coming weeks, both the DOTr and the city government can start working together with Land Transportation Office chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II and City Planning and Development Office head Mary Jean Ramos and their respective teams.
The city's Local Public Transport Route Plan has identified 24 routes for modernized jeepneys. As of March this year, 605 modern units are operating on various routes, along with 1,266 traditional jeepney units approved for consolidation. However, there is still a shortfall of around 1,200 units needed to adequately service the 24 routes, based on the city government's assessment.
