THE Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) implemented on Tuesday, September 10, the 45 to 60 days traffic scheme of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) going to the Vendors Plaza in Bacolod City.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Luisito Acebuche, head of BTAO, said the trafficexperiment will be implemented to address the traffic congestion along San Sebastian Cathedral, as well as the problem of the sidewalk vendors that were transferred to the Vendors Plaza.
"We created the Land Transportation Public Route Terminal located at the Burgos and Ferrero streets to reduce the number of PUJs passing along San Sebastian Cathedral. Every day, at least 600 PUJs were passing in the area. So, we need to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in said area," he said.
Aside from the traffic congestion at the downtown area, BTAO addressed the problem of the sidewalk vendors that were transferred to the Vendors Plaza. Most of the vendors complained that it is hard for them to sell their products at the Vendors Plaza because there are no customers in the area.
"The sidewalk vendors were also asking the BTAO to start the traffic rerouting or to open the terminal in the area. So, we want to do it now," Acebuche said.
He said the resolution was already approved by the City Council last week for the implementation of the 45 to 60 days traffic experimental rerouting of PUJs plying Sum-ag, Pta. Taytay, Tangub, Singcang-Airport, and Magsungay-Central Market.
Under the traffic experiment scheme, the southbound PUJs from Araneta Street will take a right turn to Gonzaga Street, then take a left turn to Gatuslao Street going to South Capitol Road and Vendors Plaza or the terminal.
Acebuche said the southbound PUJs have 60 slots in the Land Transportation Public Route Terminal and all the PUJ routes will be given 10 slots to park in the terminal.
He said around 20 traffic enforcers will be deployed from the downtown area to arrest violating drivers.
"Those who will be found violating the new traffic experiment scheme will be penalized for out-of-route with corresponding penalties and confiscation of the driver's license," he said.
Acebuche noted the southbound PUJs routes were only extended and there will be no adjustments on the jeepney's fare.
"The drivers should follow the regular fare which was approved by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)," Acebuche said.
Acebuche said they will also implement a one-way traffic scheme along Manokan Country, and a no-loading and unloading area along Rizal between Gatuslao and Guerrero streets so that the passengers can travel to the terminal.