BACOLOD City – Operations of business establishments and schools on Monday, May 8, went on despite the transport strike of some jeepney operators and drivers in this city.
Members of the Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators and Drivers (BACOD) Inc. and Negros Bacolod Transport Coalition gathered at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds to protest against what they considered as anti-driver and anti-small operator policies.
The groups opposed the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program and the city’s Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP).
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he tasked Councilor Al Victor Espino, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Transportation and Traffic, to meet with the protesters.
“The other transport groups no longer joined them because the issues raised were already answered before,” added Benitez.
The mayor said the LPTRP ordinance is now under review to determine the number of modern jeepneys needed to address the public transport requirements of the city.
Meanwhile, Espino said protestors should direct their concerns to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
BACOD Inc. president Rudy Catedral said they are satisfied with their dialogue with Espino on the issuance of provisional authority for traditional jeepneys with expired franchises.
“We believe him. He said in front of the media that he will go to the LTFRB,” he added.
The protest, which was participated by 70 individuals in 30 traditional jeepneys, ended at past 11 a.m. and the drivers eventually resumed operations, according to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
The transport strike was generally peaceful, the BCPO added. (PNA)/PN
