THE City Government of Bacolod is now finalizing the members of the Traffic Council to help the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) to address the traffic problem.

Executive Assistant George Zulueta, vice chair of City Development Council (CDC), said Wednesday, January 8, they are finalizing the members of the Traffic Council to come up with policies related to the recommendation of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

“The MMDA recommended the three areas that we need to do some reforms such as enforcement, education and traffic engineering,” he said.

He added the CDC earlier approved the 10 new traffic signalization systems along Lacson Street which will cost around P6 million.

Zulueta noted that in terms of enforcement, the city needs more laws that will increase the penalties for violators, and various seminars and trainings for the enforcers.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia earlier directed Zulueta to finalize the Traffic Council for the implementation of the traffic master plan in the city.

Leonardia said the Traffic Council will be represented by various sectors like the business group, education, and professional group among others.

In December 2018, the MMDA conducted a 12-day study in Bacolod City for free.

The MMDA performs planning, monitoring, and coordinative functions, and in the process exercises regulatory and supervisory authority over the delivery of metro-wide services within Metro Manila.

A traffic master plan could cost millions if done by private groups, but MMDA is assisting Bacolod City for free.

Last year, MMDA released its initial recommendations to BTAO for the hiring of additional traffic enforcers, re-routing of some public utility vehicles, installation of more traffic lights and pedestrian lights, construction of Center Island along Barangay Pahanocoy Highway, and amending the traffic ordinances on the implementation of penalties like the anti-jaywalking ordinance. (MAP)