SOME small jeepney operators in Bacolod City have embraced real change in their current public utility jeepney operation from the traditional, and they ventured into modernized jeepney operation with brand-new units that ply the Punta-Taytay - Central Market; San Dionisio - Sta. Fe - Central Market and Eroreco - Central Market routes.

Couple Ma. Corazon and Ermin Ocalinas took a calculated risk of founding the Choret Corporation, which runs a fleet of 76 modernized jeepneys.

The Ocalinas couple was the pioneer in venturing into the operation of the modernized jeepneys in Bacolod City, starting from a single unit to their current fleet of 76 units.

The said current fleet was made possible with the consolidation of several traditional jeepney operators who equally took the courage to join the Ocalinas couple in transitioning into the corporate world, generating the support the City of Bacolod through Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, officials of Land Bank of the Philippines in its Bacolod City branch, JMC Bacolod through Patrick Cymmon Go, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office, among others.

Ma. Corazon Ocalinas said the LTFRB provided them with 123 franchise slots, and part of it was the 45 new units that they launched at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Gatuslao Street Bacolod City on Friday, February 3, being considered as its second batch of new units.